Blackburn Rovers FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Sam dismisses Zaki reports

22 May 2009 - 07:52:24

Click To Enlarge

Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has dismissed reports linking him with a summer swoop for Amr Zaki.

Zaki will leave Wigan Athletic at the end of the season after the Latics opted not to take up an option to make his season-long loan into a permanent transfer.

The Egypt striker scored eight times in his first ten games for Wigan, but managed only three more over the rest of the campaign and was described as "unprofessional" by manager Steve Bruce after repeatedly returning late from international duty.

Earlier in the week, Zaki claimed he would wait a few weeks before deciding where to play his football next season, but Allardyce has denied speculation linking his club with a move for the 26-year-old frontman.

"There's nothing in that one, no," said the Rovers chief.

Meanwhile, Allardyce claims he will be happy to start the new season with Roque Santa Cruz in his squad despite the Paraguay striker insisting he wants to move on after two years at Ewood Park.

Manchester City could be back in for the unsettled striker after tabling a number of unsuccessful bids in January.

"Like I have said before, the Roque situation is that, from the last game of the season, if somebody hits the figure in his contract we can't hold onto him," added Allardyce.

"If nobody hits that figure, he's a Blackburn Rovers player and I'd be delighted."