Allardyce keen to keep squad together

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce insists he will do all he can to keep his top players at Ewood Park.

He scoffed at suggestions that Benni McCarthy, Stephen Warnock and Chris Samba would be moving on in the summer.

Allardyce, who kept Blackburn in the top flight after arriving in December, wants the team to kick on next season.

He said: “We are looking to build a squad here, rather than dismantle one.

“So no-one will be leaving this summer unless I feel it is in the best interests of this football club.

“I have made no secret of the fact there is some rebuilding work to be done so, to that end, there will be some comings and goings.

“However, the plan is to build a team around some of the key players we already have here.

“The majority of them are on decent length contracts so I am quite relaxed about the situation.”

Tugay, Andre Ooijer and Aaron Mokoena have all departed while Roque Santa Cruz, who was courted by Manchester City in January, could also be on his way out - but only if the price matches Blackburn’s valuation.

Meanwhile Allardyce is hoping to tie up a permanent deal for £3.5million-rated full-back Gael Givet after his loan spell from Marseille.