CHRISTOPHE Dugarry could be ready to solve the mystery surrounding his projected £3.5 million transfer from Bordeaux before Euro 96 kicks off on Saturday, writes PETER WHITE.

And Blackburn Rovers have not yet been counted out of the chase for the French international striker.

One weekend report claimed that Dugarry had said he would find it very hard to turn down a move to Ewood after they had agreed a deal with Bordeaux.

And French sources today also suggested that the player still had "an open mind" about his future, despite telling journalists just over a week ago that he preferred a move to Italy, or even Spain, rather than to England.

Rovers, eager to make an impact on the transfer market this summer, are keeping a low profile - as usual - about their interest in Dugarry.

But I understand they are far from ready to give up the hunt and take it as a good sign that, despite all the speculation, Dugarry has not committed himself to another club. There is clearly a hint of optimism that one of their early transfer targets is still up for grabs.

They are ready to pay Bordeaux's asking price and it could come down to making the player an offer good enough to tempt him to play in the Premiership.

French boss Aime Jacquet has told his Euro 96 squad that he doesn't want any transfer negotiations to interfere with their championships challenge.

And Dugarry himself has been reported as saying he would prefer to sort out his future before the big kick-off.

So the signs are that there could be a decision later this week.

There was special praise for Rovers' 17-year-old striker James Thomas for his performance on his debut for the Wales under-21 side in San Marino on Saturday. And another Ewood youngster, goalkeeper Anthony Williams, kept a clean sheet on his bow at that level as Wales won 3-0.

Welsh skipper John Hartson took the spotlight with two goals but there was much praise for Thomas who, like Williams, can benefit greatly from the experience. Chris Coleman played in the Welsh senior side's comfortable 5-0 victory cruise over San Marino in their first qualifying match for the 1998 World Cup.

A depleted Rovers youth team went down 4-0 to Ajax in Heerenveen on Saturday.

They were invited to play an exhibition game to mark the opening of the Dutch national youth tournament but found the absentees and the break they have had a handicap once Ajax got into their stride.

The first half was goalless, with Ajax taking the lead shortly after the break. James Beattie seemed to have equalised but it was ruled out for offside and Ajax pulled clear with three more goals.

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