Rovers pull out of shock Ahn deal
BLACKBURN ROVERS have reportedly pulled out of a bid for South Korean ace Ahn Jung-hwan, after he failed with a bid to earn a work permit.
Rovers, rather than previous suitors Fulham and West Ham, made a move for the Asian star, but they have now been forced to rethink their plans.
Reports from Korea state that Blackburn had agreed terms with Perugia, who took up an option to buy him in the summer despite publicly criticising him after he helped knock Italy out of the World Cup finals.
The Lancashire outfit were ready to take a gamble on the forward, who was one the stars of the summer tournament, but the player did not meet English work-permit criteria and so his potential move to Ewood Park was cancelled.
"Ahn will now have to train and keep himself fit for coming friendly against North Korea and the Pusan Asian Games," said a statement from the player's agent.
Rovers are also being linked with a move for Lazio`s Guerino Gottardi.
The 31-year-old is deemed surplus to requirements by cash-strapped Lazio, and Rovers could secure the left-sided midfielder for a cut price fee.
However, Rovers boss Graeme Souness has been told finances are tight at Ewood Park, and if Lazio demand a sizeable fee Gottardi could prove beyond their means.
