BLACKBURN Rovers are pondering a transfer deadline swoop for Rangers defender Zurab Khizanishvilli.

Reports in Scotland this morning claim the defender has already agreed a one-year loan at Ewood Park, but this is wide of the mark.

Rovers today confirmed that no deal has been done, although the Georgian international fits the bill for Rovers boss Mark Hughes, who is looking for a defender that can play centrally and at right back.

But there is competition for Khizanishvilli's signature from other clubs across Europe as Rangers boss Alex McLeish tries to offload him before the window closes tomorrow.

His first team opportunities at Ibrox have been limited, but fans reckon the 23-year-old has been harshly treated as he has looked impressive in the appearances he has made.

It's thought Rangers will want a transfer fee for Khizanishvilli, but it's unlikely Blackburn will risk paying out for a player unproven at Premiership level.

The player's agent Ivan Benes said: "We hope to find Zurab a new club before the transfer window closes.

"There are possibilities in the Premiership which he finds interesting."

Meanwhile, Jemal Johnson impressive cameo in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Villa Park may have earned him a reprieve.

He was set to be shipped off on loan to Plymouth Argyle after the Championship club made a bid to take him on loan last week.

But two players who have been sent out on loan for the rest of the season are Paul Gallagher and Jay McEveley.

Neither have figured in the squad this season, forcing them to drop a division in the search for first team football.

Gallagher has gone to Stoke City, who were also set to snap up McEveley before he decided to go to Portman Road instead.

"I've had offers to go elsewhere but once I found out that Ipswich wanted me my mind was made up straight away," said the 20-year-old left back.

"I want and need to play first-team football but it's important that the club I join plays in a style that suits my game.

"I know Ipswich like to pass the ball around and play good football, more than some Championship teams do who play the long ball, so that was a big reason to come here.

"I'm looking forward to getting started now and hopefully I can help Ipswich enjoy a good run while I'm here as well."

Gallagher, 21, was attracting interest from Burnley before deciding to has join Stoke on a

one-year loan.

The Potters director of football John Rudge said: "We are very happy to get Paul. He is a young striker of potential and we think he can do a very good job for us in the

Championship.

"We came very close to signing Jay as well, who would have given us extra defensive options, but he decided at the last minute to go to Ipswich."

Meanwhile, Andy Todd has until 6pm today to admit or deny his charged of violent conduct following an alleged headbutt on Tottenham Hotspur's Andy Reid during the match at Ewood Park last Wednesday.

An FA disciplinary commission will hear the case on Thursday.