SPECULATION that big-spending Middlesbrough might consider unloading England forward Nicky Barmby has been quashed by the Teessiders.

And that could be something of a disappointment to Blackburn Rovers, one of several clubs believed to have been monitoring the former Spurs star's situation. Boro's latest attacking capture, Fabrizio Ravanelli - signed from European Cup holders Juventus for a cool £7 million - means boss Bryan Robson has now spent a fortune on the foreign legion that will be lining up at the Riverside Stadium next season, including three Brazilians.

But Robson's assistant Viv Anderson has firmly put down suggestions that Barmby could be on his way to any of Middlesbrough's Premiership rivals.

He insisted Barmby would be staying in the North East which would seem to rule out any further Rovers interest.

Boro are believed to be ready to sell striker Jan Fjortoft and midfielder Jamie Pollock and probably need to reduce their wage bill. But neither of those two players would attract Ewood attention.

Rovers boss Ray Harford has been searching long and hard to add to the club's one major close-season signing so far in Greek flyer Georgis Donis.

And Euro 96 was one of his major hunting grounds.

But the domestic market is also still being scanned, just in case any home-based stars suddenly become available.

Even though Middlesbrough have also brought in Danish international striker Mikkel Beck, it seems they intend to hang onto Barmby and that's the problem at the moment for Harford - finding the right sort of player who IS available.

Rovers have made some minor alterations to their Premiership fixtures, in addition to the games scheduled for Sky TV. The home game against Leeds United will now be played on Wednesday, September 4, put back 24 hours because of the international the previous Sunday.

And the home game against Liverpool has been provisionally moved from Saturday, November 2, to Sunday, November 3. That is to cater for possible Liverpool involvement in the European Cup Winners Cup the previous Thursday.

If they are not playing, the game may well be switched back to Saturday.

Sky TV games announced so far are: Sunday, August 25, Manchester United away (4pm); Monday, September 9, Derby County home (8pm) and New Years Day, Everton away (5-45pm).

Sky are screening two matches on January 1, hence the unusual kick-off time at Goodison.

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