Gary Bowyer intends to include Crystal Palace target Rudy Gestede in his Blackburn squad this weekend, despite the striker's agent insisting he "really wants" to join the Eagles.
Benin international Gestede, 26, fired in 25 goals in the last calendar year and has averaged better than a goal every other game since moving last January, sparking interest from a host of Barclays Premier League clubs.
Hull enquired about the forward last week but denied making a bid while the player's agent revealed on Tuesday that Palace's initial offer was rebuffed by Rovers, but that Gestede remained keen on a move to Selhurst Park.
However, while Gestede was held out of the draw with Wigan last weekend amid uncertainty over his future, Bowyer stressed he remains part of his plans for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Swansea at Ewood Park.
"The only update I've got is that he's been back in training on Monday," said Bowyer, who denied he would not pick Gestede to avoid him being cup-tied.
"He trained ever so well Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and at this moment in time he goes into the squad on Saturday against Swansea.
"My consideration comes into picking an 11, an 18-man squad, that we feel can try and beat Swansea and Rudy will be part of that."
The comments from Gestede's agent in a national newspaper on Tuesday suggested the player's heart was set on linking up with Alan Pardew's men.
Speaking to The Guardian, David Wancier said: "Crystal Palace made an offer to Blackburn last week but it was rejected.
"Now the clubs have to discuss to try and find a solution. The player really wants to sign for Crystal Palace but is also committed to Blackburn.
"Rudy has been enjoying this season and just wants to play football. He just wants the club to consider this great opportunity for him to achieve his ambition to play in the Premier League."
But Bowyer remains undeterred and has no concerns that the speculation will disrupt either Gestede or his team-mates.
"It has no bearing," he added. "We've just got to make sure we conduct our business correctly and get on with the job in hand, which is focusing on Swansea.
"It will be interesting if another Premier League club comes in, what would his agent say then? He might have a choice then.
"We just concentrate on doing the right things, both on and off the pitch.
"What we've got here is a good, honest group. We're not hiding behind the speculation, there's open conversations between the players and myself. There's banter flying around surrounding it because we aren't ducking it.
"If it happens, it happens and he would go with my blessing in terms of I'd be delighted with the boy that he's gone into the Premier League. If it doesn't, I'd be more happy because he'd be with us."
Source: PA
