[Mighty T.A.L.]

Rovers to step up Bellamy interest

Blackburn Rovers are expected to step up their interest in Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy now that the Reds have completed the signing of Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.

Hughes is keen to bring the fiery Welshman back to Ewood after he proved a smash hit during his first spell with the club, and Torres' arrival at Anfield may persuade Liverpool to sell.

Aston Villa and West Ham are also interested in the former Newcastle striker, who bagged 17 goals in 33 appearances during his 12-month stint with Rovers, but Bellamy has played some of the best football of his career under Hughes and the Blackburn boss hopes that may help to lure him back.

A deal is still a long way off as Liverpool have yet to indicate whether the striker is available, and, crucially, how much they would want for him.

For the time being, Hughes is more focused on the job of keeping the existing strikers he already has at the club.

Yesterday, Rovers rejected an offer from Fulham for Jason Roberts.

The Cottagers are thought to have tabled a bid in the region of £2.5 million for the former Wigan frontman, but that was instantly rejected, with Rovers insisting the 29-year-old is not for sale'.

A Rovers spokesman told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We've had an offer for Jason Roberts but we are not interested in selling him."

Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion are the latest club to register an interest in defender Andy Todd.

Hawthorns chief Tony Mowbray is keen to add the experienced stopper to his Championship squad because he is poised to lose Paul McShane and Paul Robinson to Sunderland.

But the Albion boss faces competition for Todd's signature, with Rangers, Wigan Athletic, Derby County and Coventry also thought to be interested in the player.

Todd's agent, Peter Harrison, said: "West Brom have shown an interest in Andy and we've had initial talks but that's as far as it's gone.

"He's got one year left on his contract but he wants to leave (Blackburn) so we'll have to wait and see what happens.

"We are in discussions to try and get Andy a move.

"West Brom are one of the clubs interested, along with Derby."

Harrison met with Rovers officials on Monday to discuss the options open to Todd, and the Lancashire Telegraph can confirm that the club did receive a verbal offer for the player, which was deemed unacceptable.

However, further developments are expected in the next few days, with Rovers willing to let the player go for a fee in the region of £800,000.

Source: Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn Citizen - the newspaper for our community. www.blackburncitizen.co.uk