FRENCH striker Christophe Dugarry is not at the top of Blackburn Rovers' shopping list, despite a Sunday newspaper report claiming Roy Hodgson had targeted the AC Milan star, writes PETER WHITE.

Dugarry was on previous Rovers boss Ray Harford's hit list before last summer's European Championship finals.

But he opted for Milan instead of Ewood and then suffered a lengthy absence through knee surgery.

Yesterday's report claimed that Hodgson had demanded Rovers move in with a £3.5 million bid to head off supposed interest from Barcelona.

Good sources at Ewood, however, rejected any Rovers return to the chase for the striker, whose style of play is similar to that of Chris Sutton.

It's true that the club are in the market for at least one new striker but I understand their sights are set more on attacking players with pace, than a big strong target man of the Dugarry style.

Hodgson knows all about the Milan players, of course, and it would be no surprise if he checked out a couple of those currently playing for Inter's San Siro rivals.

But there will be much speculation concerning AC Milan over the coming weeks as I understand they are looking to unload a number of players from their squad.

They have had a bitterly-disappointing season and are looking to stage a major clearout.

Rovers have also been linked with Nottingham Forest's out-of-contract Norwegian midfielder Alf Inge Haaland.

Everton and Leeds are two clubs who have already shown interest in Haaland, who seems certain to move on following Forest's relegation. But it is unlikely that Rovers will join them in any chase for his services.

There could be progress on new signings, however, in the not too distant future with the club keen to make an early start on what is a major task of reshaping the squad.

It has been said on several occasions that money is not a problem and the fans will expect to see Rovers strengthen all round this summer.

At Ewood yesterday, Jack Walker handed over the fans' player of the year trophy to Tim Sherwood and made a special presentation to Tony Parkes. Then re-affirmed the ambitions he had revealed in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph after the crucial draw against Middlesbrough. Speaking from the centre circle, Mr Walker told the fans: "We shall certainly not make the same mistakes next season.

"We have a lot in mind for you and we are going to be recognised in Europe, I promise you."

Henning Berg (groin) and Jason Wilcox (hamstring) both missed the final Premiership game of the season yesterday with injury.

Roy Hodgson emerged triumphant from his clash with Sven Goran Eriksson in Genoa yesterday, Inter Milan beating Sampdoria 2-1.

The victory left third-placed Inter still in with a chance of snatching second place from Parma and a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions' League next season.

With four games remaining, they stand four points behind Parma, who play leaders Juventus this week.

Ewood stages its last match of the season tomorrow night when England Schoolboys take on the Republic of Ireland at under-15 level (kick-off 7pm).

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