BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes has made the recruitment of a new striker his top priority this summer as he begins planning for next season.

Hughes is determined to boost his firepower in preparation for an assault on Europe next season, and he has already begun the search for reinforcements, with a proven strike-partner for Craig Bellamy top of his hit list.

While the rest of the squad were busy celebrating Rovers' UEFA Cup qualification at the club's annual awards night earlier this week, Hughes was out in Spain, running the rule over potential transfer targets.

But the answer to his striker conundrum may yet lie closer to home, after Rovers were linked with summer moves for Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey.

As I understand it, contrary to reports in the national press, no official moves have been made for either player as yet, but there is genuine interest from Rovers in both players.

Ideally, Hughes wants to recruit a forward with physical presence to provide a foil for Bellamy, whose searing pace has caused defenders no end of problems this term.

At the moment, it's not clear exactly how much Hughes will have to spend in the market, but John Williams and his board have promised to do whatever they can to help him strengthen a squad that will be placed under greater strain next season due to the demands of a European campaign.

"I expect there to be some comings and goings over the summer," said Williams.

"In the past, the board has always supported the manager in the best way we can, and that will continue."

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