Blackburn Rovers are emerging as favourites to snap up South African scoring ace Benni McCarthy.

The 27-year-old FC Porto forward is being tracked by a number of Premiership teams as he considers his future with the Portuguese club.

But he has revealed that Rovers, who have been linked with McCarthy since the end of the season, are leading the chase for his signature

He said: "I have heard that Newcastle, Tottenham and Bolton are interested in signing me. But Blackburn are the ones following it up seriously at the moment.'

"In Cape Town we grew up following English football and I have always wanted to play in England one day.

"I don't know what will happen but we will have to wait and see.''

Blackburn Rovers chief executive John Williams admitted McCarthy was a transfer target but that no official approach has been made.

He said: "I've no idea what he means by that comment but he is a player we are interested in.

"We are looking at a number of options."

Rovers did make an offer for an un-named forward last week and are still waiting a response.

Weekend reports suggest manager Mark Hughes is keen on bringing his old team-mate Andy Cole back to Ewood Park, but again, nothing official has been discussed.

Williams said: "I think this has come from two or three weeks ago when Mark was quoted as saying he was sorry Cole had left and would like him to be here.

"But there's nothing more to it than that at the moment."