BLACKBURN Rovers were today still hopeful of landing their number one summer target Dwight Yorke -- but are prepared to look elsewhere should their bid fail.

Chief Executive John Williams said: "There is no change in the Yorke situation. We would like it to be sorted out as quickly as possible one way or another.

"We are still talking to Manchester United and they have been helpful in our negotiations, but there is still clear water between the two clubs."

With Matt Jansen set to miss the beginning of the new season due to the head injury he picked up while being involved in a motor cycle accident on summer holiday in Italy, Rovers are looking to add more firepower to their attack.

Yorke remains their number one target but Rovers could be set to switch their attentions to the likes of Eidur Gudjohnsen or Robbie Keane.

"Even more Matt's injury and the return of Ciccio Grabbi to the club we were looking at bringing in another front-running striker. We have several irons in the fire should the Yorke deal unfortunately not go through," said Williams.

"We have transfer windows for the first time and we don't want to be caught out. If the Yorke deal does not come off then we have got to look at other areas."

Williams confirmed that Rovers had made a tentative inquiry for Gudjohnsen earlier in the summer, but the striker is still under contract for another three years.

Gudjohnsen, 23, signed a £5 million three-year deal with Chelsea after moving from Bolton in the summer of 2000.

However, he is believed to be demanding a pay rise after an impressive two years at Stamford Bridge and the Blues are maybe set to off-load him. But their £15million asking price would surely put Rovers off.

Leeds United and Republic of Ireland striker Keane had been the subject of a £10 million bid from Sunderland, which he himself turned down and his situation at Elland Road still remains unclear - Spurs being the current favourites to gain the Irish star's signature.

As regards the Damien Duff situation, despite reports in national newspapers to the contrary, Williams said that Rovers still had not had any official approaches for the winger.

"And it's not as though we are encouraging any anyway," emphasised Williams.

"We want Damien to stay at the club and are still in talks with him and his agent over a new improved deal that will keep him at Ewood Park.

"We want him in a blue and white shirt next season and we're not miles apart."

Duff jetted out with the rest of Graeme Souness's side yesterday for their pre-season tour of Austria and Germany.

Virtually all the senior squad flew out from Manchester with the exception of Brad Friedel, Tugay, Hakan Unsal who have been given extra time because of their World Cup exertions and will join up with the squad on their return next week.

Also missing were injury-victims Jansen and Stig Inge Bjornbye while out-of-faovur striker Egil Ostenstad was also left behind.