BLACKBURN Rovers have dismissed speculation linking them with a shock January swoop for Nicolas Anelka.

One of the Sunday tabloids claimed manager Mark Hughes has told the Rovers board he plans to target the Bolton striker when the transfer window opens next month.

The article even suggested Hughes may be prepared to sacrifice leading scorer Benni McCarthy to help finance a deal for the Frenchman, who has also been linked with moves to Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, and would cost a fee in the region of £10 million.

However, a senior boardroom source has told the Telegraph the club has no plans to move for Anelka in January.

The source said: "Nicolas Anelka's name has been mentioned in the past, along with many others, but there are no plans to make a move for him next month, and we have no intention of selling Benni McCarthy either."

Hughes has already conceded he will have to shop for bargains in January, unless the club gets taken over and fresh capital is injected into the coffers.

But that is a situation he feels comfortable with and he insisted once again last night there is no pressing need to strengthen unless circumstances change dramatically.

"I think the squad is strong enough but if opportunities present themselves then we'll have a look at it," said the Rovers boss.

"But we think we are strong enough to get through this."