BLACKBURN Rovers are linked with the growing race to land Romanian international Florin Raducioiu.

Spanish First Division outfit Espanol are already considering West Ham United's offer but Rovers are reported to be in the hunt to land the exciting attacking star.

Hammers manager Harry Redknapp was convinced he had the Raducioiu transfer in the bag before Euro 96.

But, bizarrely, the player claimed he knew nothing about the move despite West Ham striking a deal with the Spanish club.

And, while West Ham still appear favourites to land the pacy forward after transfer talks during the tournament, Raducioiu still appears open to offers.

Glasgow Celtic and Sunderland are two other British clubs chasing the Romanian's signature.

The Ewood Park backroom team have watched the majority of the Euro 96 group fixtures and Director of Football Kenny Dalglish ran the rule over Romania's matches at both Newcastle and Elland Road.

The asking price for the Romanian star appears to be around the £3million mark and he has made it clear he wants to play in English football.

Raducioiu is the sort of exciting talent who has attracted major interest during Euro 96 and Rovers - represented at the quarter-finals last weekend - will also have cast an eager eye over the likes of Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert and Czech Republic hero Karel Poborsky.

Meanwhile, Rovers' mouth-watering Premiership clash against double winners Manchester United at Old Trafford will be shown live by Sky TV on Sunday, August 25.

Blackburn's home game against newly-promoted Derby County has also been chosen for the Sky treatment on Monday, September 9. The big New Year's Day clash against Everton at Goodison Park is another Sky choice.

Third Division Swansea City have made an offer to Paul Harford, son of Rovers boss Ray. Harford was handed a free transfer by Rovers at the end of last season.

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