ROY Hodgson could face fierce competition from Liverpool if Tottenham Hotspur were to waver in their determination to keep Sol Campbell at White Hart Lane, writes PETER WHITE.

As we revealed yesterday, Rovers have already asked about Campbell in their multi-million pound search for a new centre back.

But I understand that Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on the England star's situation as they are ambitious to strengthen their rearguard for a genuine tilt at the championship.

And, if there was any encouragement at all that Spurs were prepared to talk about a transfer for the 23-year-old Campbell, Liverpool could be favourites with the player.

Kevin Davies remains Hodgson's major Ewood buy and the manager today blasted Aston Villa boss John Gregory for "insulting, arrogant and unethical" comments about the £7.25m striker.

Gregory has been quoted comparing that price with the £16m Villa are asking for Dwight Yorke.

Hodgson, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said: "I have been offended. Like Oscar Wilde, I believe that comparisons are odious and that it is unethical for managers to use purchases that other managers make as reference points for their own players.

"What they shouldn't be trying to do is cast apsersions on other transfers by suggesting that we have vastly overpaid for Davies and therefore somebody must vastly overpay for their player.

"I now find myself counting the insults that Davies has unwittingly and totally without justification been submitted to, and I am not prepared to accept that.

"It is complete arrogance to suggest: 'I know so much more about football than you that I can tell you that if you have paid that for him, mine is worth twice as much'."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.