Allardyce looking at Vieri

Italian striker training with Rovers

Last updated: 7th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Allardyce looking at Vieri

Vieri: Blackburn chance

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Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Christian Vieri is training with Blackburn as he seeks to resurrect his career.

The Italian striker has been without a club since being released by Atalanta in April but has now linked up with the rest of the Rovers squad for the start of pre-season.

Allardyce, who has money to spend following the sale of Roque Santa Cruz, accepts that he needs to work on his fitness and there is no indication that a deal could be close.

However, the manager has been impressed by the 35-year-old's attitude and is happy to keep his options open.

"He is obviously out of condition compared to the rest of the lads but joining us at this stage of pre-season shows a certain amount of commitment that he wants to try and play football again," Allardyce said on Sky Sports News.

"If he has got that desire and dedication and can adjust to the physical levels of the Premier League at his tender age then we have got a major player on our hands.

"There is no harm in my point of view in watching his progress and then seeing if there is a situation where we can have him for next season.

"He also has a desire to try and get in the Italy squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."

Opportunity

Allardyce has conceded that Peter Crouch and Ruud van Nistelrooy are 'out of Blackburn's reach' but he remains hopeful of signing a new striker.

He explained: "We are obviously in the market for a striker and can spend a considerable amount of money to get one.

"That gives you the opportunity to get a younger striker in and that is what we are looking for.

"At the more mature end, certainly from abroad, you have to be a bit wary about the back end of their career."

"We will keep our eye open in this country which would be the best bet from our point of view."