AMBITIOUS Second Division outfit Oldham Athletic have made a cheeky enquiry about Jason McAteer in the run-up to their Worthington Cup clash with Rovers on Wednesday night.

Latics boss Andy Ritchie has contacted Ewood officials about the possibility of signing the Republic of Ireland international in a potential club-record deal.

But, despite having cash to spend following the arrival of new chairman Chris Moore, Athletic have had to admit defeat in their attempts to lure the 30-year-old to Boundary Park.

"We asked about Jason McAteer but it only lasted 24 hours because the amount of money we were talking about was totally ridiculous," said Latics chairman Moore.

"By looking to people like McAteer we are aiming for the moon and even if we fall short we have still come a long way."

McAteer's agent, Dave Lockwood, is currently talking to a number of clubs about a possible move for the player, with Roy Hodgson's Udinese among those thought to be interested.

But a move into the Second Division would not appeal to the player -- regardless of whether or not Oldham could afford it -- as he chases his dream of appearing in next summer's World Cup finals.

Athletic, however, clearly intend to go places, having also made enquiries about Sunderland's John Oster and Manchester City's Paul Dickov in recent weeks.