Big Sam admits Ruud defeat

Allardyce: Out of Rovers' reach

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Sam Allardyce has admitted that Ruud van Nistelrooy and Peter Crouch are probably 'out of Blackburn's reach'.

Van Nistelrooy may find himself surplus to requirements at Real Madrid this term following the high-profile arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Allardyce expressed an interest in the Dutchman last month and later declared that he would be prepared to pay big money for one top-quality striker.

However, the Rovers manager accepts that a move for Van Nistelrooy will not now go ahead, with the 33-year-old's fitness levels also a concern following a season blighted by injury.

"I think probably Ruud, from a salary point of view, is out of our reach," said Allardyce.

"And I think he is not going to be fit until September, so that is not going to be what we are looking for at the moment.

"We need someone right now who can join up with the squad as soon as we can."

No approach

Crouch has also been linked with a switch to Ewood Park but Allardyce has denied making an approach for the Portsmouth forward.

Allardyce is not sure the England international will leave Pompey this summer and realises that if he were to do so a number of other clubs would be keen.

He explained: "We think he is probably out of our reach and bigger clubs than Blackburn will take him if Portsmouth decide they are going to sell him.

"No-one has said to me from Portsmouth that he is for sale so we haven't done anything from that point of view."