Reported Blackburn Target Staying Put (For Now)

Angel Di Maria, a reported Blackburn Rovers target has admitted that he would like to play in England (or Spain) in a years time but for now wants to remain with Benfica.

The 20-year-old midfielder had a successful season with Benfica following a move from Rosario Central, which earned him a senior International call-up with Argentina and also brought about attentions from Premier League clubs, included an understood interest from Rovers, Everton and Newcastle United. However, Di Maria has said that he wants to remain in Portugal for now.

Di Maria told El Capital: "For my first year in Portugal, I think that my performance has been good.

"I had low moments, but finished the championship to play at a good level.

"I do not feel pressure, but I know that I have not shown my true value. I will show the real Di Maria next season.

"My wish is to spend another year at Benfica and then make the leap to England or Spain."

Maybe we will hear more about this in 12-months time then?!?!

Meanwhile there has been quite a bit of transfer speculation involving Rovers in the national press on Sunday.

Paul Robinson is again understood to be a target for Paul Ince, and a move for as little as £2 million could be made for the former England International, which despite his problems last season would represent superb value for money. However, he wouldn't be sold for so little and isn't as good as Brad Friedel anyway, therefore wouldn't want to come here to sit on the substitutes bench would he!!!

Republic of Ireland International full-back Kevin Foley, who plays for one of Ince's former clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers is understood to be in the Rovers managers' thoughts with a £1.5 million offer planned. I don't know what to make of this one, and again don't really know anything about him. Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant also understood to be interesting Incey.

Fulham's Steven Davis has been a target of Incey's (according to the newspapers) for a number of weeks and Glasgow Rangers manager Walter Smith believes that if Rovers want him they will get him.

Smith told the Daily Record: "They want £4m and we can't afford to pay - that's where we are.

"If Blackburn are interested, we will not get him anyway."

Maybe we could get the Northern Ireland International, but I couldn't see us paying as much as £4 million for him!!!


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