BLACKBURN ROVERS' sense of desperation is now such that they are seriously considering making an attempt to lure back to Europe the celebrated Brazilian striker Bebeto.
Although Bebeto emerged as a key figure two years ago when Brazil won the World Cup in the United States, he is, at the age of 32, regarded as something of a diminishing force.
Predictably, he is viewed in an altogether more healthy light in East Lancashire where a club which won the Premiership title just 18 months ago is seeking a fast working and palatable remedy to its current ills. Despite wealthy benefactor Jack Walker's millions, Rovers are marooned at the foot of the Premiership table, without a win this season.
Although the club's pursuit of a man deemed worthy of succeeding Alan Shearer has been relentless, team manager Ray Harford has been unable to persuade anyone to fill the boots of the world's most expensive footballer.
Among those who have declined invitations to pick up fat salaries at Ewood Park are German strikers Jurgen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff and Swedish international Martin Dahlin.
Bebeto currently plays for Flamengo having returned to South America in 1994 following a hugely successful spell in Spain with Deportivo La Corunna.
Blackburn have already made tentative inquiries about his availability and would not baulk at a £3m asking price.
. Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis confirmed yesterday that off form Savo Milosevic could be on his way to Perugia in Italy. Ellis revealed that two clubs had expressed an interest in the Yugoslav international striker and admitted that one of them was Perugia, promoted to Serie A last season, although he would not name the other.
Villa would be looking for around £5 million if they did decide to off load Milosevic who was unhappy at being dropped for Saturday's home game with Leeds. Manager Brian Little would want to at least recoup the £3.5 million he paid out, having seen him play only on videotape.
. Newcastle's UEFA Cup second round, second leg tie against Hungarians Ferencvaros next Tuesday is to be screened live by BBC 1 from 8 o'clock.
