SAMPDORIA superstar Sinisa Mihajlovic has told the Serie A giants: "Match Sven Goran Eriksson or I'm off."

And that has led to speculation in Italy that the Yugoslav international will be the first foreign import arrival when Eriksson arrives at Ewood Park in 1997.

Mihajlovic has gone on record this week saying that Sampdoria must replace the experience of the Swedish coach - or he will move abroad.

"I will follow Eriksson anywhere in the world," he said. "He is one of my footballing mentors and a coach I admire very much. He has the ability to get the best out of players and commands respect."

A Sampdoria newspaper source told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I believe that if Blackburn cough up the money he would go to them.

"He said that if Sampdoria cannot find a good coach to replace Eriksson he will go to the club's president and request a transfer. I believe him. "All of the players, like Mancini, believe that Eriksson is the best trainer in Serie A," he said.

"They respect him so much because he is a world class coach. I know a lot of players have indicated that they would like to play in England

"Although it would take a lot of money to take Mihajlovic away from Sampdoria it could mean Mihajlovic moving to Blackburn with Eriksson. It is a distinct possibility.

"Mihajlovic, like the other players, wants firm assurances that Sampdoria are not left in a position of having to sell their remaining quality players. People like the captain, Mancini."

Mihajlovic is believed to have discussed his future with club president Enrico Mantovani after Eriksson announced his decision to take the Blackburn helm next summer. Although the Yugoslav is contracted the Genoa club until 2000, the club has indicated they may not be able to stand in his way if he decides he wants to end his international career alongside Eriksson - at Blackburn.

Central defender Mihajlovic, 27, is rated as one of the best stoppers in Serie A and is renowned as one of the most feared free-kick specialists in Italy.

The Italian source added: "It is fairly common knowledge that he would follow Erriksson abroad. It remains to be seen over the coming months whether this will happen.

"He is certainly one of Sven Goran Eriksson's biggest fans and he has learned so much from him."

Magnificent Sven - read Brian Doogan's interview

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