BLACKBURN Rovers hope to wrap up the move of Polish star Marek Citko within the next week, despite scare stories that Arsenal have joined the chase. There has been speculation in the national newspapers that the Gunners are about to try and pinch the Pole from under Rovers' noses - after Ewood officials had agreed a deal.

And Highbury boss Arsene Wenger has made no secret of the fact that he wants to add a striker to his squad, either on loan or through a straight cash deal.

A loan for the Widzew Lodz man has already been ruled out by the Poles, however, and Rovers have settled the fee with his club. So that would seem to rule Arsenal, or anyone else, out of the running. All the signs are that Citko will be joining Rovers as planned, providing, of course, there are no unforeseen snags with the medical for the 22-year-old forward.

He is expected to travel to England shortly for the medical tests and Rovers expect to have the £2.75 million transfer signed and sealed, subject only to a successful work permit application.

Just how soon he will be available to caretaker-boss Tony Parkes, however, remains to be seen.

The club applied for the work permit almost a week ago and, with Citko's qualifications, do not expect any problems in it being granted.

But these things do take time.

Under normal circumstances, Citko could have travelled to England as soon as the transfer had been set up.

Damien Johnson and Martin Rimmer were the goalscorers as Rovers A team won 2-0 away to Bolton Wanderers. The B team drew 1-1 at home to Chester, with Junior Obeng on target.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.