Blackburn Rovers' Premiership rivals, Fulham, want to sign Andy Cole this summer.

As I understand it, Fulham boss Chris Coleman has identified the former England striker as the man to replace Louis Saha.

Coleman has been searching for a new big name striker ever since Saha left for Manchester United in a £12 million deal during the January transfer window.

Initially, the Cottagers were reported to be lining up a summer move for Dwight Yorke.

But now sources in the south say Cole has become the top name on Coleman's hit-list because he feels the 32-year-old is similar in style to Saha.

Fulham have struggled in the Premiership since Saha left for Old Trafford.

Earlier in the season when the Frenchman was banging in the goals for the Londoners, they were on course for a possible top four finish and a place in the Champions League.

However, results have tailed off in the last couple of months and it's the shortage of goals up front which has now become Coleman's biggest concern.

There's a feeling within the Fulham camp that Cole could be the man to fill the void left by Saha because he's a similar type of goalscorer.

However, a return to the capital may not necessarily suit Cole, even though he has endured an uneasy relationship with Rovers boss Graeme Souness.

The pair have had several bust-ups during the last couple of seasons and Cole even reported Souness to the PFA last month after accusing him of victimisation.

Nevertheless, the former Manchester United star still has an affinity with the club's supporters and he appears to be well settled in the North West.

Fulham would probably have to cough up at least £2 million to stand any chance of tempting Rovers to sell.

On top of that, they would then have to come up with an attractive package for the player, who is on a lucrative deal at Ewood.

As I understand it, Fulham have yet to make their interest official but Coleman is thought to be watching developments at Rovers closely.

"Obviously, it's no surprise that there's speculation regarding Andy because of the comments in the Press about him over the last few months," said Cole's agent, Paul Stretford, today.

"However, Andy has a contract with Blackburn Rovers and he's currently committed to ensuring the club beats the drop.

"Now is not the time to be discussing anything, especially when there are only eight crucial games to go.

"Who knows what the situation will be in the summer?

"But Andy has a contract with the football club until he's told otherwise."

Meanwhile, Graeme Souness was today sweating on the fitness of his international players ahead of Sunday's game with Liverpool at Anfield.

Several Blackburn players were away on international duty last night and Souness will not know until later today whether they've all come through unscathed or not.

Paul Gallagher still remains a doubt for the Liverpool game, however.

Rovers have confirmed that the 19-year-old is currently struggling with a bout of laryngitis and that's what forced him to pull out of Scotland's friendly with Romania.

Chief executive John Williams said: "Paul reported unwell on Sunday and was withdrawn from the Scotland squad.

"It's a medical rather than a physical problem. We will have to wait and see about Liverpool."