BLACKBURN manager Mark Hughes appears to have missed out in the race to sign Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Rovers boss Hughes had identified Gudjohnsen as a potential strike-partner for Craig Bellamy and recently spoke to Jose Mourinho to ask if the 27-year-old was available.

But, although the Chelsea boss did indicate the Icelandic international would be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, it now looks as though Gudjohnsen will be joining another club in the Champions League.

Manchester United, Real Madrid and recently crowned European champions Barcelona are all reported to be keen on signing the former Bolton star.

And now Rovers are resigned to the fact it's highly unlikely' Gudjohnsen will be moving to Ewood this summer.

A source at the club said: "We we were interested in Eidur but it now looks like he's going elsewhere, which means we'll switch our attention to other targets."

Gudjohnsen's father and agent, Arnor Gudjohnsen, admitted there had been great interest' in the Chelsea forward and he's likely to make a decision on his future in the next few weeks, before the World Cup finals get underway in Germany.

"There are a few options for Eidur, but nothing concrete as yet," said Gudjohnsen Senior.

"There is interest from Spain and England and something could happen in the next few days.

"There have been many clubs linked and Eidur is looking into all his options as he has to take into consideration a lot of things like his family."

Hughes will now focus his search elsewhere as he looks to bring in the players he needs to mount an assault on Europe.

The Welshman met chairman John Williams yesterday to discuss possible alternatives, with Birmingham's Emile Heskey and Porto's Benni McCarthy believed to be some of the names under consideration.