Allardyce: Keane deal of interest to Rovers

SAM ALLARDYCE admitted he would be interested in signing Robbie Keane or David Bentley if they become available in January – with the added incentive that they would be allowed to wear snoods should they come to windy Ewood Park.

The Blackburn manager will keep an eye on developments regarding the Spurs players but believes he will be in a long queue for their services.

Allardyce said: “If Tottenham say that Robbie Keane and David Bentley are available, then you are always interested in quality players. If they are, then I think we will be one of many, many clubs in the Barclays Premier League who would be interested though.

“I have identified some targets and some talks have started. I’ve discussed it with the chairman and he will discuss it with the new owners.

“It’s just a question of how much - that’s the key element - because there are various targets at various prices and we will not rule out a loan signing either.”

And if there is any concern over snoods – the scarves that have been declared banned items at Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand on Twitter – then the players can rest assured.

“I have not seen any of our lads put a snood on before a game - yet – but I have seen a couple wear one in training,” Allardyce said. “If they feel comfortable wearing it and it makes them play better then I think that’s okay. I’ll wait for the next cold snap and give one a try.”

Allardyce and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp were named by Capello as possible candidates to succeed him after Euro 2012 but the Rovers manager would not be drawn on that likelihood.

“I hope they stick to having an English manager next. Whether that’s me in contention I don’t know, but it’s very nice of Fabio to mention my name. It’s very flattering, especially when it’s a man of his standing in the game. But it’s also too far away to consider the situation.”

Allardyce returns to Bolton, the club where he made his name as a player and a manager, tomorrow hoping for more Lancashire derby luck – a win would send Blackburn above their local rivals.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle, meanwhile, is looking for his team to bounce back following the defeat by Manchester City and has been heartened by continuing messages of support about their style of play.

“The players have to try and win games and entertain, so the fans remain onside,” he insisted.

“When it does come together it’s a sight to behold. I hope we can be pleasing on the eye. What we don’t want to be is one dimensional. We do not want to be predictable.”