Allardyce quashes Zaki link

21 May 2009 13:20
Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce says there is 'nothing' in reports linking the club with a move for Amr Zaki. Egyptian striker Zaki is considering his options after Wigan Athletic opted against turning his loan deal into a permanent arrangement. Zaki is due to make a decision on his future next month, with his agent claiming four Premier League clubs have shown an interest. Rovers are rumoured to be one of the clubs keen on the powerful front man, but Allardyce was quick to dismiss the speculation. "There's nothing in that one, no," said Allardyce on Sky Sports News when asked about the reports. Allardyce is likely to be in the market for a new striker in the summer, with Matt Derbyshire and Roque Santa Cruz linked with moves away. Derbyshire has impressed on loan at Olympiakos, although Allardyce says the Greek double-winners have yet to make an offer. He added: "It depends what Olympiakos are considering to make us an offer. "Other than that, until we see that offer, we wouldn't know whether we're going to let Matt go there or not. "We haven't received an official offer from them, so until we do then he's still a Blackburn Rovers player." The Blackburn chief also reiterated his view that unsettled Paraguay international Santa Cruz will only leave Ewood Park for the figure stipulated in his contract. "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," continued Allardyce. "If nobody hits that figure, he's a Blackburn Rovers player and I'd be delighted." Meanwhile New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen has ruled himself out of the Confederations Cup next month in South Africa because of a calf injury. He will sit out Blackburn's final match because of the problem and in a statement to the media in his homeland said: "I was really looking forward to playing. "The Confederations Cup is great preparation for the World Cup play-off and I'm just gutted I won't be there now."

Source: SKY_Sports