TOP Italian coach Nevio Scala wants to be the next Blackburn Rovers manager.

And that is despite reports in Italian newspapers today claiming Sven Goran Eriksson had signed a five-year contract worth £5m as Ewood boss.

But the Italian press are not known for their accuracy and Rovers remain no nearer to appointing Ray Harford's successor.

And Blackburn chairman Robert Coar dismissed the reports out of hand.

That said, Sampdoria coach Eriksson is still very much in the running.

But former Serie A rival Scala has also made it clear he relishes the challenge of managing a high-profile Premiership side.

The ex-Parma coach has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant post of boss of the Italian national side.

"I could soon be coaching a foreign side," Scala admitted today from his farm near Vicenza.

He had been widely tipped to take over from Arrigo Sacchi as the new Italian manager. That vacancy is now expected to be filled by Cesare Maldini, leaving Scala free to pursue a new club career outside Italy.

His immediate availability will be a major attraction to Rovers.

Scala refused to elaborate on the situation but the Ewood Park job is the talk of Serie A after Eriksson emerged at the head of hit-list.

Eriksson has stated he will see out the remainder of his contract at Sampdoria, until the end of this season.

But with caretaker manager Tony Parkes having led his side out of the relegation zone in just five matches, Rovers might be prepared to wait for their man.

And Eriksson has already made a cloak and dagger visit to Ewood Park.

However, Dutch giants Ajax have also targeted Eriksson as their boss for next season. Both Scala and Eriksson have the credentials that Rovers are looking for - experience on the Continental stage, the ability to attract top players and strong reputations as excellent tacticians.

Scala led Parma, a previously unfashionable Italian outfit, to success in the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1993, followed by success in the UEFA Cup two years later.

He parted company with Parma at the end of last season by mutual consent and has since been taking a break from football.

Tickets for Rovers' FA Cup third round tie at home to Port Vale will go on sale to season ticket holders from December 16 to December 21 on production of voucher E. Tickets will go on open sale on December 23. Premium season ticket holders need take no action. The date for any replay is Tuesday, January 14.

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