WITH more twists and turns than an omnibus edition of Eastenders, the Graeme Le Saux saga continues with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid the latest team to join the race for the unsettled defender.

The 'will he, won't he' storyline has commanded more column inches than any Rovers player this summer - and with Patrick Valery set for a starring role at Ewood Park, Le Saux's exit from centre stage could be imminent.

The Le Saux soap opera has been running throughout the close season with Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus linked with the classy England defender. Now money appears to be no object for Madrid - and the Spaniards want the Channel Islander to link up with Middlesbrough's Juninho who is also top of their shopping list.

But whatever happens, Rovers fans will be keen to see the curtain fall on the whole episode and find out if Le Saux's committed to the cause under the new era of Roy Hodgson.

That should be sooner rather than later with the squad reporting back for pre-season training next week - and Hodgson is sure to want to thrash out Le Saux's future.

With the signature of French star Valery from Bastia - who can play at either left back or right back - Le Saux could be allowed to go, although Hodgson is sure to do all he can to keep hold of one of the club's prize assets.

The new manager, who takes control next week, is still hard on the heels of ace strikers Gabriel Batistuta and Davor Suka in a package worth a staggering £16 million. And the latest striker to join the list is Southampton's Norwegian striker Egil Ostenstad.

However Hamburg's Swiss international Stephane Henchoz looks likely to be Hodgson's next signing with the club close to sealing a deal for the £3 million-rated defender.

Colin Hendry is set to miss the pre-season tour of Sweden after undergoing an operation on a groin injury, but the club is confident the the giant Scot will be ready in time for Rovers' opening game of the season at home to Derby.

Matty Holmes could be on the way back to the capital with ambitious Second Division outfit Watford tracking the talented left-sided midfielder. Holmes was signed from West Ham two years ago but has failed to break into the first team making only nine full appearances.

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