MONEY will not be a stumbling block as Roy Hodgson tries to find a successor to Colin Hendry.

Blackburn Rovers, who seem to have made some progress in their search for a top-class central defender, are prepared to buy at the expensive end of the market.

Ewood chief executive John Williams confirmed today: "We have been making serious inquiries. But I cannot say any more than that."

He did, however, also reveal that Jack Walker has promised "big" financial backing for the manager to get the right man.

I understand that, so far, Rovers' efforts have been concentrated in this country, rather than abroad.

Hodgson has stressed that he will only sign a player he believes will improve his squad - so Rovers are going to be talking in the top bracket anyway, both from a financial and a football point of view.

With three days to go to the Premiership kick-off, Ewood season-ticket sales have stayed ahead of last year.

They are a few hundred ahead at around 14,800. Half-season tickets - when they are made available around Christmas - should take the total close to 16,000.

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