THE chase for midfield men Lars Bohinen and Billy McKinlay was hotting up today and Blackburn Rovers have other players in mind too, as they try to strengthen their squad.

But Ewood boss Ray Harford could also face the loss of one of his present midfield men, out-of-contract Lee Makel.

Stoke City manager Lou Macari confirmed today that he was definitely interested in Makel and was hoping to get the go-ahead to put in a firm bid.

Rovers take on Swindon at Ewood tonight (kick-off 7-45pm), bidding for a place in the third round of the Coca-Cola Cup.

But Harford has spent the last couple of days intensifying his transfer efforts and he said: "I would like to think there would be something happening before we play Southampton."

I understand that preliminary talks have already taken place with Nottingham Forest's Norwegian international Bohinen and that further discussions could be held later today. And Rovers have also been in touch with Dundee United about McKinlay.

An initial bid has been rejected but United boss Billy Kirkwood refused to comment on speculation. McKinlay is expected to be left out of United's game tonight, prompting suggestions that a move to Rovers is still very much on the cards.

The midfielder, named yesterday in Scotland's squad to face Sweden next week - along with Colin Hendry - is said to have bruised toes which made him doubtful for Saturday's Dundee derby. Yet he scored a hat trick in that game!

Neither club is saying much but they have yet to settle on a fee.

As we revealed in later editions last night that is not the case with Bohinen.

Rovers have already agreed to pay the knockdown price of £700,000 for the midfielder who has a special clause in his contract.

Forest boss Frank Clark is upset that he could lose him but it all depends on whether personal terms can be agreed.

Bohinen said: "I would be a fool not to listen to what Blackburn have to offer. Then we will take it from there."

Harford's interest in the transfer market is not just confined to those two players as he makes determined efforts to strengthen his squad before the next Premiership game on Saturday week. And here's a name to note for the future - Jim Hamilton.

The 19-year-old Dundee striker has come under scrutiny by Rovers in the past and Scottish sources are tipping him for a move South.

He could be the type of player the club would sign as a potential star of the future, to be carefully groomed for a couple of years.

Meanwhile, Rovers are without injured Tim Flowers tonight and number three keeper Shay Given but Harford said: "We have every confidence in Bobby (Mimms). It's Sod's Law when Shay Given gets hurt as well, but we have Frank Talia back.

"I have always said we have four good goalkeepers at this club and this situation shows that you need them."

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