BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes is weighing up a move for Europe's answer to Peter Crouch.

Nikola Zigic, a 6ft 8in centre-forward who plays for Red Star Belgrade, is one of the players being considered by Hughes as he scours the globe for a proven strike-partner for Craig Bellamy.

Rovers' first team coach, Eddie Niedzwiecki, flew to Belgrade at the weekend to make a personal check on the 25-year-old, who played for Serbia and Montenegro in their 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay.

As yet, Rovers have not made a bid for the giant targetman, but if they do decide to step up their interest then they could face strong competition for his services with Hamburg, Roma, Lokomotiv Moscow and Premiership rivals Portsmouth all thought to be monitoring his situation closely.

Dragan Stojkovic, president of Red Star, said: "Nikola Zigic seems to be on the wish list of several European clubs.

"I have held talks with the owner of Portsmouth, Mr Milan Mandaric; however, they are not the only club with an interest in Zigic.

"Blackburn is also interested, but we have yet to see what they can offer.

"Personally, I would be thrilled if Zigic could be with us for the qualifications for the Champions' League and I will do everything I can to make that happen.

"Speaking objectively, I would have to say that he deserves to capitalize on his enormous talent, but still, we would like to keep him here just a little longer.

"One offer on the table has Zigic signing for Portsmouth and Ognjen Koroman joining Red Star, but there are just too many 'ifs' there."

Zigic made a big impact for Red Star last season, scoring 12 times in the league to help the club to their 24th domestic title.

He also scored twice in the domestic cup final as Red Star completed a league and cup double.

However, Stojkovic is now resigned to losing his star man this summer, particularly if he performs well at the World Cup.

The Red Star president added: "Of course we don't like selling players, but it's our only real source of income.

"We have to let go those we can get a good price for to stay afloat and find adequate replacements at the same time."

Zigic has been linked with a move to the Premiership in the past.

Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham were all reported to be keen on him before the last transfer window in January, but a deal never materialised as Red Star were going for the double at the time.