Blackburn transfer tips

Last updated: 24th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Blackburn transfer tips

Allardyce: What will he do in January?

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Blackburn opted for up-and -talent in Paul Ince when selecting a replacement for the successful Mark Hughes. Many wanted the ex-MK Dons and Macclesfield boss to shine in the job after being named Rovers' new boss, but, following a bright start optimism soon turned into disappointment.

Blackburn began the season with a 3-2 win at Everton but a run of six consecutive Premier League defeats before the busy festive period saw the club's hierarchy press the panic button. James Pearson assesses how Rovers have performed this season and where they might end up come May.

How the new boys have done

Although poor results ultimately cost Ince his Ewood Park post his summer signings did little to aid his cause. Paul Robinson's acquisition from Spurs for £3.5million was one of the club's better signings.

However, the likes of Carlos Villanueva, Vince Grella, Keith Andrews and Robbie Fowler all failed to make an impact. Chilean midfielder Villanueva had been expected to add flair and goals to Rovers' line-up, but the 22-year-old provided neither. Rovers' costliest summer import came in the shape of Australian midfielder Grella. The £4million acquisition's time has been hampered by injury meaning fans are yet to see the best of the 29-year-old.

Ince raided old club MK Dons for Andrews, but the Republic of Ireland international has failed to come up to Premier League standard. Fowler's ability to find the back of the net is beyond contest, but at 33 he was never going to give the club anything other than a threat off the bench.

What they need

Rovers could well be in the market for a new striker in the winter transfer window should a big-money offer be tabled for Paraguay international hit-man Roque Santa Cruz. The former Bayern Munich ace has been linked with a move to Manchester City and he has made little secret of his desire to play UEFA Champions League football once again, something Rovers and City are unlikely to offer anytime soon.

Even if Santa Cruz stays new boss Sam Allardyce could decide to bolster his strike force with the team averaging just a goal a game in the league prior to their 3-0 success over Stoke. If Santa Cruz can score regularly and Benni McCarthy rediscovers his best form the Lancashire side could have one of the best strike partnerships in the league.

Despite Rovers' clean sheet against The Potters they have one of the worst defensive records in England's top-flight, meaning Allardyce could well bring in one or two defenders when the transfer window re-opens.

What they will get

Allardyce could be tempted to go for El Hadji Diouf, who is well down the first-team picture at Sunderland, although the Senegalese forward is hugely unpopular with the Rovers faithful.

One player who Blackburn could easily secure is Liverpool's out-of-favour winger Jermaine Pennant. A bid of around the £3million mark could be enough to secure his services from The Reds' reserve side.

Should Santa Cruz leave then Allardyce could turn to PSV Eindhoven's highly-rated striker Danko Lazovic. If you have money to burn it might be worthwhile sticking a cheeky fiver on Big Sam raiding his old club Newcastle for troubled midfielder Joey Barton.

Fan's view - Jamie Rice

All I want for Christmas is a new defence and half a midfield is that too much to ask for? The problems Rovers has is a lack of money, you can't survive in the Premiership unless you invest in new talent, we have been lucky for the last few years picking up two goalscorers whose goals have given us an over inflated league position, our lack of quality in other areas is now being shown and we're paying the price, where before our goalkeeper would be worth 15 points a season now we do not have that we are seeing the cost. I do not forsee a happy new year for Rovers.

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