NEW Blackburn Rovers boss Roy Hodgson will be a keen observer as Le Tournoi kicks off in France tonight.

England take on Italy, France and Brazil in the mini-tournament stretching over 11 days.

Hodgson will be working in a public relations capacity for soccer equipment manufacturing giants Adidas.

But the former Inter Milan boss will be using the tournament to cast his eye over a number of transfer targets.

Hodgson is already aware of the talent available in Italy from his time in Serie A with Inter.

And Rovers have previously shown little interest in South American targets, feeling international engagements can be too disruptive for domestic Premiership commitments.

So the star-studded French side are likely to prove of particular interest to Hodgson who has already been linked to players.

And Hodgson will have an immediate chance to see the French in action when the tournament starts tonight in Lyon when the hosts take on World Cup holders Brazil. The French have been warned they face a fired-up Brazil side after Brazil's 43-game unbeaten streak came crashing to a halt last Friday, when they surprisingly lost 4-2 to Norway.

Following the tournament Hodgson will be taking a holiday before arriving at Ewood on July 1.

And he has already been making detailed preparations for his arrival in East Lancashire.

Hodgson and his wife Sheila arrived in Blackburn for a short visit last Friday to look at two Ribble Valley houses on a short-term leasing basis.

The club feels that would provide a better initial working environment than an extended stay in a hotel.

The new boss also had discussions with Rovers chairman Rob Coar and secretary Tom Finn to finalise pre-season tour arrangements.

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