HUGO Pavone’s move to Blackburn Rovers was left in limbo last night as the Argentine striker waited to be given the green light to complete his Ewood Park switch.

The 29-year-old free agent expected to sign a three-year deal with Rovers yesterday, having already held talks with boss Steve Kean last week, but was left fearing the move had collapsed amid confusion around the club’s transfer market inactivity.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands Rovers boss Steve Kean was ready to make the former Real Betis man his first signing of the summer, but that he has been unable to get the transfer sanctioned by owners Venky’s.

Unconfirmed reports yesterday claimed that Venky’s have been told to cut the club’s overdraft before they can buy to add further fuel to the supporters’ growing discontent, although Rovers and their owners declined to comment on the speculation.

The club did attempt to ease the situation by calling for patience in an official board statement yesterday, saying they would not pay over the odds and they were still hoping to sign a striker and a midfielder.

It did little to clear the confusion surrounding Pavone’s Ewood move though with sources at Rovers believing they would now miss out on their target.

Pavone’s English representative Barry McIntosh, said: “We are still sitting and waiting to see what the situation is.

"The player is still in England at the moment and still wants to join Blackburn Rovers.

“He has been impressed by the manager and the welcome he has received from the club and he would really like to sign for Blackburn even though he has had offers from other clubs.

“Steve Kean likes him and wants him at Blackburn and as far as we were concerned the deal was ready to be completed.

"Now that all may have changed and we are just waiting to hear what has happened.”