Allardyce in Russia to lure Zenit striker Pogrebnyak to Blackburn Rovers

27 July 2009 10:39
Sam Allardyce is trying to take Zenit St Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak toBlackburn as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz. The 25-year-old is out of contract in November and Rovers hope to get him for aknockdown fee but his wages will be problematic at £60,000 a week. Allardyce missed Rovers' 1-1 draw with Leeds on Saturday to fly to Russia where the25-year-old played in Zenit's goalless game against Rubin Kazan. The Rovers boss first bid for Pogrebnyak, who has five goals in 14 games for Russia, in January. He is also keen on a loan deal for Franco di Santo, who failed to score in 16 substituteappearances for Chelsea last season.

Source: Daily_Mail