SUNDERLAND boss Peter Reid has finally called it quits in his efforts to sign Blackburn Rovers young keeper Shay Given - after having a club record bid rejected.
And Ewood hopes of making an early capture themselves could be resolved in the next few days when French international Christophe Dugarry is expected to decide on whether he moves to England or Italy.
Twenty-year-old Republic of Ireland international Given has been a target for Reid since spending three months on loan at Roker Park where he played a big part in Sunderland's First Division title success.
But Rovers have slammed the door shut on a seven-figure bid, as Ewood manager Ray Harford aims to have Given as a regular member of the first team squad at Ewood next season, challenging Tim Flowers for the number one spot.
As we revealed two weeks ago, Reid was determined to make an attempt to sign the keeper, even though he suspected it would be to no avail.
"I have made an offer for Shay Given, but I was told he is not for sale at any price," he admitted today.
"Ray Harford was tremendous to the club when he let us have Shay on loan last season.
"But he has turned it (the offer) down and that is the end of the matter."
Although Reid would not reveal exactly how much he was willing to pay for Given it is believed that the figure was £1 million-plus, a club record for Sunderland.
And he did say: "I had been willing to pay a lot of money."
Rovers' own hopes of making early progress in the transfer market look like depending on whether Bordeaux striker Dugarry fancies continuing his career in England.
Contacts in Bordeaux said today that they thought the French star might be leaning towards Italy, or possibly even Spain.
But Rovers haven't given up hope of landing him.
They are also understood to be keeping a close watch on the position of flying Greek winger Georgios Donis, whose contract expires this summer.
The situation is complicated by a Greek transfer ban imposed by FIFA but Donis is still expected to be on the move soon.
Alan Shearer, meanwhile, was looking to improve his match fitness in China this afternoon as England played their penultimate friendly before Euro 96.
Tim Flowers was also given the opportunity to confirm his place as number two England keeper behind David Seaman as he was named for his first international start since last June.
There was no place in the team, however, for Jason Wilcox, as coach Terry Venables made nine changes from the line-up which started against Hungary at Wembley on Saturday.
Rovers' representatives were in Rome last night, guests of UEFA at the European Cup final.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article