ROY Hodgson's influence could be felt sooner rather than later at Ewood Park, as Blackburn Rovers - no doubt acting on advice from the manager-in-waiting - are scouring Europe for top transfer targets.

They have already been linked with Rosenborg's powerful left back Stale Stensaas and I can confirm that, along with many others, they had a representative at the Norwegian club's European Cup tie with Juventus last week.

But the Sunday newspaper which carried the story seems to have opted for the wrong target, claiming that Rovers were lining up a replacement for Graeme Le Saux.

Sources both at Ewood and in Norway believe other members of the outstanding Rosenborg team were more likely to be the focus of attention - particularly midfielder and skipper Bent Skammelsrud and striker Harald Brattbakk.

And I understand, Rovers could also have been checking on certain Juventus stars.

For caretaker-boss Tony Parkes has already had the first of what will probably be several discussions with Hodgson.

He is likely to meet the new boss face to face soon for more detailed talks.

Hodgson has confirmed that he is coming on his own to Ewood and that Parkes' job is safe. "We spoke generally and the basic message was keep it going and keep us up," added Parkes.

Both Brattbakk and Skammelsrud, who played against Rovers last season, are out of contract later this year and the Norwegian champions have to decide whether to try to secure them on new deals, or cash in on their talents.

Young forward Vegard Heggem is thought to be another potential transfer target for clubs aiming to make the most of the cheaper Norwegian market.

I can also reveal that another member of the Ewood staff, reserve coach Terry Darracott, was in Cyprus recently to watch a string of games involving Scandinavian clubs who were on the island enjoying warm weather training during their winter breaks. Arsenal were also represented.

While Rovers step up their efforts to start building the sort of squad new man Hodgson will want, hopefully to take into his first Premiership season next August, they are faced with former manager Kenny Dalglish still expected to return to Ewood this summer for a goalkeeper.

Speculation that Dalglish would like to sign Tim Flowers continues but it looks more likely that Shay Given will be the man to leave Ewood.

Given doesn't particularly want to go but his need for first team football makes it seem inevitable that he will do so when his contract expires.

And Dalglish could well turn to him to solve Newcastle's goalkeeping problems and, at the same time, disappoint Sunderland.

Meanwhile, tomorrow night's opponents Nottingham Forest are hoping to sign striker Pierre Van Hooydonk from Celtic in a £4.5 million package deal.

An official announcement was expected from the City Ground this afternoon with Forest hoping to complete the deal in time for the Dutch international to line up against Rovers in a vital relegation battle. Rovers are optimistic Colin Hendry will be fit and also have Billy McKinlay back in the squad after suspension. The game could be just too early for Chris Sutton.

Middlesbrough's FA Cup victory means that they will now be free to meet Rovers at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday week in a re-arranged Premiership clash (kick-off 7-45pm). Tickets for the game are now on sale at Ewood, price £17 (£10 concessions).

James Beattie scored twice as Rovers A team won 5-0 at Morecambe. Craig Chisholm, James Thomas and Graham Cassin got the others. Andy McAvoy scored both goals as the B team beat Stockport 2-1. ON THE MOVE: One-time Rovers target Celtic striker Pierre van Hooydonk looks set to join Nottingham Forest today and could line up against Rovers at Ewood Park tomorrow night

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