DAVID Batty could well become an official target for Newcastle United if and when they complete a club record deal for Parma's Colombian striker Faustino Asprilla.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan was in Rome today, expected to clinch a club record £6.7 million deal for Asprilla.

And sources very close to the Premiership leaders stressed that Newcastle were aiming to make two signings, not just one.

It is firmly believed that Batty is their second target - though there has been no official approach to Ewood so far and Rovers continue to stress that they do not need to sell anyone.

But Newcastle are anxious to ensure they capitalise on their huge lead at the top of the table.

Having spent so much money in getting there, they are not going to baulk at splashing out even more millions.

But if they do come in officially for Batty, they will have to be prepared to pay big money.

I understand they feel he would come into the £3-£3.5 million bracket. Rovers, however, are certain to value him substantially higher than that.

Keegan invariably refuses to comment on transfer speculation.

Asked about Asprilla this morning, he answered: "I don't want to say anything although I know that there's plenty in the papers. I might be here for a day or maybe two. Who knows?"

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