BLACKBURN Rovers' summer transfer plans hinge on Rafa Benitez's bid to sign a top striker for Liver-pool.

Benitez is poised to spend big on a proven goalscorer as he attempts to turn the Merseysiders into serious title-contenders next season, and that will spark a transfer merry-go-round that could result in Craig Bellamy coming back to Ewood.

Rovers chief Mark Hughes recently met with chairman John Williams to discuss a number of possible targets, and it is understood that Bellamy's name was at the top of his wish-list.

However, Bellamy's future at Anfield will not be decided until Benitez has landed his own transfer targets, which leaves Rovers in a state of limbo for the time being.

Liverpool chief Benitez is believed to be chasing Valencia striker David Villa and Barcelona hit-man Samuel Eto'o, and the club's new American co-owner, Tom Hicks, hinted earlier this week that a major signing is imminent.

Once that happens, Bellamy's situation at Anfield will then become much clearer, which could open the door for Hughes to strike.

In the meantime, the Rovers boss is prepared to keep his powder dry, although he has drawn up a list of contingency targets should the Bellamy situation not play out as planned.

Meanwhile, Rovers have dismissed newspaper speculation linking Jason Roberts with a £3.5 million move to Everton, insisting the striker is not for sale'.

And the club have not received any offers from Derby County for Franny Jeffers, despite reports to the contrary.

Ipswich remain in the box-seat for Jeffers but their chances of landing him may well depend on the sale of Charlton's Darren Bent, where they stand to profit from a 20% sell-on clause.