Source: SKY_Sports
Big Sam wants Ruud
Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is hoping to bring Ruud van Nistelrooy back to England, although he is against signing Michael Owen.
The Ewood Park outfit are looking for attacking reinforcements following the sales of Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire this week.
Santa Cruz's departure to Manchester City has swelled the club's finances giving Allardyce a healthy war chest to bring a new fans' favourite to the club.
The Lancashire club have been linked with out-of-contract Owen, but despite the fact that he is available for free Allardyce is wary of the striker's recent injury record.
One player whose track record is beyond contestation is Van Nistelrooy. The free-scoring striker bagged an impressive 95 Premier League goals in 150 appearances for Manchester United.
Although many believe the Dutch master would be out of Rovers' reach, Allardyce sees no reason why he could not pull off another coup after surprising all and bringing Nicolas Anelka to Bolton in 2006.
"Who'd have thought Bolton would get Nicolas Anelka? Nobody did. But I went out and did it," Allardyce said. "It would be nice to do it with a Van Nistelrooy.
"The sort of salary he would be on at Real Madrid may be beyond us. But maybe he wants to come and play in England again and take less of a salary - then we'd be interested.
"It would be a major coup if I could pull it off."
Although Allardyce is desperate to add a striker to his squad, he
appears to have ruled out making an offer for Owen, who struggled for goals and form following a spate on injuries for Newcastle.
"I just question the injury scenario," he continued. "I need a striker that's going to be available for 30 games next season. That's not happened for Michael over the last four years.
