Rovers halt pursuit of big names

Blackburn Rovers will not make any big-name signings until the European summer, according to manager Steve Kean.

Kean can now look to the long-term with Blackburn after signing a new two-and-a-half year deal ahead of Sunday’s game with West Brom.

When asked about speculation linking Blackburn with a move for Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, he said: “Riquelme has been on a list with a few others but I don’t think that will happen in this window. When we went in for David Beckham and Ronaldinho it was very real.”

“I was out in India with the owners on Monday and I think if we do bring somebody in, a landmark signing, it will probably be in the summer. We’ve got time to see whether they’re going to fit in.”

Kean confirmed Pascal Chimbonda’s contract has been terminated to allow him to play first-team football elsewhere, while El-Hadji Diouf has attracted interest from several clubs.

“He (Diouf) has 18 months left on his contract and is happy to get his head down and fight for his place. It’s not the case that we’re trying to force him out but there has been interest. We’d consider any fee but we don’t have to sell.”

West Brom will bring a special brand of passing football to Ewood Park on Sunday according to Kean.

“They are a very good passing team who are open and I don’t think they change from their philosophy that they want to build from the back. They’re a tough team to play against and it’s going to be a really tough game on Sunday.”

New signings Roque Santa Cruz and Jermaine Jones are both in line to make their debuts while Steven N’Zonzi and Vince Grella both came through a midweek practice match.

David Dunn is fit after limping off in the recent defeat to Chelsea but Ryan Nelson will face a late fitness test after taking a knock to the knee.