Source: Team_Talk
Allardyce confirms Dindane interest
lackburn boss Sam Allardyce has revealed an interest in signing Lens striker Aruna Dindane once his loan spell at Portsmouth ends this summer.[LNB] Allardyce recently admitted a desire to strengthen his strikeforce, with Dindane one of a number of options, but high on the list after failing to sign him in the January transfer window.[LNB]The Ivory Coast forward now finds himself in limbo as one further appearance for Pompey will activate a clause whereby they must sign him permanently, which they cannot do given their financial crisis.[LNB]"We almost signed him on transfer deadline day, but was a little too late," said Allardyce.[LNB]"But he's played in the Premier League which is a good indication he can play at that level, and he's scored a few goals.[LNB]"All in all we would be interested depending on what the financial situation is."[LNB]Meanwhile, Allardyce has defended Martin Olsson against the barrage of criticism faced by the young star this week.[LNB]Olsson has been roundly condemned for apparently claiming he dived to win the penalty that enabled Blackburn to beat Burnley in their local derby on Sunday.[LNB]The 21-year-old is reported to have said he "took a chance" when he noticed the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Brian Jenson, and that he "maybe...overplayed my fall a little bit".[LNB]Allardyce insists the Swedish winger's comments have been twisted, but despite that, has still been forced to take internal action to underline the fact he does not condone such behaviour.[LNB]"I'm not sure, first and foremost, that Martin said what he did, but unfortunately for him and us, he's been criticised unfairly," said Allardyce.[LNB]"We all know he has gone down easily, anticipating a challenge that was going to come.[LNB]"From where I was sat in the directors' box there was no doubt at all in my mind it was a penalty.[LNB]"From Mike Dean's position there was no doubt as well, but we can see from other angles after the game that it wasn't.[LNB]"In fairness, the times we've been hard done by outweighs 10-fold the fact we got this one in our favour."[LNB]In contrast, Allardyce feels barely a mention will be made of the dubious penalty won by Cesc Fabregas last night that earned Arsenal a draw in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona.[LNB]"If that wasn't a dive either, then what was?" added Allardyce.[LNB]"I'm sure there won't be the same fuss about that as there was about Martin, who has been slaughtered by every man and his dog."[LNB]Even if Olsson's comments have been misinterpreted, Allardyce has had to act, and will do so again no matter the circumstances or the situation.[LNB]"I don't condone it, of course not," insisted Allardyce.[LNB]"We've dealt with it internally, talked about it and gone through our code of conduct to say it wasn't right.[LNB]"I've spoken to Martin about it, he's accepted it, and we move on."
