COLIN Hendry is the latest Blackburn Rovers star to be linked with a move, this time to Serie A side Torino, according to a report in a Sunday newspaper.

But Ewood fans can sleep easily. One of their favourite players isn't likely to be going anywhere - especially to a struggling Italian club.

There is much more chance of another player coming in before Thursday's transfer deadline, with Grimsby's England under-21 defender Gary Croft still the name on everyone's lips.

Rovers boss Ray Harford has already stressed that the orders from above - Jack Walker - are that he doesn't need to sell anyone. And Hendry, more than happy at Ewood, is one of the last players the club would consider losing anyway.

Rovers supporters are getting past-a worrying about these speculative reports of an Italian job, especially over a player who is in the middle of a lengthy contract and is quite likely to be offered an extension before too long.

Hendry is the kind of player the club would like to stay at Ewood for "life" and he would probably welcome such a situation too.

It is true that agents are currently on the prowl for Italian sides. Bari, another relegation-threatened outfit, are also thought to have cast envious eyes at Hendry.

But Torino and Bari are not exactly among the really big boys in Serie A.

The Premiership is a more attractive proposition to many players than joining one of Serie A's "second tier" of clubs.

In any case, Harford made the Ewood situation perfectly plain after signing Garry Flitcroft. He wants to buy again, as opposed to selling.

"I have been assured by the owner and the chairman that we don't have to sell anyone," he said.

"What we do want is a strong squad. "If you want to be a big club, you need a big squad and that is what we are trying to build."

Meanwhile the manager is still looking to buy again before Thursday.

At this moment another multi-million pound deal doesn't seem likely, though circumstances can change with just a telephone call.

Rovers have kept tabs on Croft and are certainly looking for cover at left back.

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