Ray Czechs them out

The Blackburn Rovers chief has made a striker his number one priority after losing out to Italian giants AC Milan in the transfer tug-of-war for French star Christophe Dugarry.

And Harford could close the net still further tomorrow after he makes a visit to Wembley to watch the Euro 96 final between Germany and the unfancied Czech Republic.

"It's been a terrific tournament and several players have really excited me with their football," was the only clue Harford would give today.

"There has been a lot of talent on show and all the group games were covered by the Blackburn backroom staff."

Several players will be sure to attract Harford's attention with exciting Czech attackers Pavel Nedved, Vladimir Smicer and Pavel Kuka all catching the eye.

All three players have played a major role in taking the 66-1 shots into tomorrow's final after the dramatic penalty shoot-out against France.

Kuka is already a target for Premiership rivals Liverpool and other star names in the Czech side could be on the move to England before the start of the Premiership campaign.

First Division Sunderland are ready to make another bid to take young Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Shay Given to Roker Park.

But Rovers have issued a fresh hands-off warning to Peter Reid as he attempts to land the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland star.

"Shay Given is not for sale and deep down I think Sunderland know we don't have any intention of selling," confirmed assistant manager Tony Parkes.

"Obviously if Sunderland came with a massive offer, then we would have to look at it again. But it would take an awful lot of money to take him away from Blackburn."

Reid is reportedly set to take Manchester United goalkeeper Tony Coton from Old Trafford. The Roker boss is heading the chase for Coton, who can leave United after the arrival of Dutchman Raimond Van Der Gouw.

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