BLACKBURN Rovers’ in-demand captain Grant Hanley will play no part in today’s three-team tournament at Morecambe.
Hanley trained for the first time yesterday after sustaining the knee injury which ruled him out of last Saturday’s 1-0 win over SV Ried.
But the Scotland international, who has been the subject of two rejected bids by Newcastle United, as well as interest from others clubs in the Championship, suffered a reaction.
Hanley, as well as fellow centre-back Wes Brown, will not be risked in the hour-long friendlies with Bury (1pm) and hosts Morecambe (2.30pm).
Euro 2016 duo Shane Duffy and Corry Evans will also be absent as they enjoy their last weekend off before returning to training on Monday.
But midfielder Hope Akpan will feature in one of the two entirely different teams Rovers will field at the Globe Arena after overcoming a knock.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez yesterday addressed his club’s pursuit of Hanley.
Asked how close the Magpies were to making the 24-year-old their sixth summer signing, Benitez said: “It is something that I am aware of as I am talking every day with (managing director) Lee Charnley.
“He’s in charge of the signings and the business. I cannot talk too much about that.”
Newcastle have spent close to £30m on goalkeeper Matz Sels, defenders Jesus Gamez and Isaac Hayden, midfielder Matt Ritchie and striker Dwight Gayle this summer.
And Benitez said: “We want to sign as soon as possible. We have a plan.
“We already have players with Championship experience. They know what it takes to get promotion and fight every week – and play two games a week. All we need is to bring in some players.”
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