SCOTTISH star Eoin Jess is back in the Ewood Park frame.

That's the view of the national newspapers who have concluded the transfer-listed Aberdeen midfield international would be ideal replacement for David Batty, should Newcastle meet the asking price.

Ray Harford has stated that there is a surplus of central midfield players at Ewood and may not feel the need to strengthen that department - with or without Batty.

And the £1.5 million-rated full-back Gary Smith, also out of contract at the end of the season at Pittodrie, is another possible reason behind Harford's trip to watch the Dons play at Motherwell on Tuesday.

Aberdeen boss Roy Aitken today said he had had no contact with Rovers.

Premier League bosses are set to resist any attempt by UEFA to reduce main European club leagues to 18 teams as part of their future plans at a meeting of European football chiefs in Brussels today.

UEFA also have their own proposals for the UEFA Cup, which include an expansion to 120 teams and will mean two qualifying rounds.

The first of these, involving 54 clubs, would be played on July 24 and 31, which means that if English clubs are granted some of the extra places they could be required to play ties three weeks ahead of the new Premiership season which kicks off on August 17.

Rovers chairman Mr Robert Coar said: "It's all a bit up in the air at the moment and the club has no firm views on the issues."

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