Blackburn Rovers have blocked TWO bids from double winners Manchester United for England's number one striker Alan Shearer.

Old Trafford chairman Martin Edwards made two separate approaches to Blackburn in a bid to prise Shearer away from Ewood Park.

Edwards confirmed today: "I made an initial inquiry about Alan Shearer's availability over a month ago - before the start of Euro '96.

"The answer I was given was that there is no way Blackburn Rovers would consider allowing him to leave."

Edwards continued: "During Euro 96 I made a second inquiry and the answer was exactly the same.

"In the circumstances there is little else we can do but to accept Blackburn's decision."

It is the first time the two clubs have admitted actually speaking about a possible deal.

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