Rovers Preferred Choice for Anthony Annan

Shortly after landing Manchester United defender Danny Simspon on loan Paul Ince looks likely to secure the services of Ghanian International Anthony Annan.

The 22 year old spent 2 days training with Blackburn Rovers last week and he was so impressed by Rovers set-up and intent to sign him that he now looks likely to snub reported attention from Chelsea and Aresenal.

He told Nettavisen: "I hope for a response as soon as possible. They [Blackburn] seem interested as, in any case, since they came all the way here to see me. I have always dreamt of playing in England, France or Italy."

The player added "I am ready for new challenges and would like to play for Blackburn if they want me."

Reports that Annan had a trial at Aresenal after spending a couple of days in Lancashire seem untrue, especially as he was watched by Rovers scouts in Norway on Sunday night where he played for Stabaek against Aalesunds FK. Arsene Wenger is also reported as saying he doesn't intend to sign any more midfield players.

Still, following Simpsons decision to join Paul Ince's team over Manchester City and Aston Villa, Rovers fans will be glad to hear that another young player could potentially be choosing Ewood Park over other rival Premiership teams.

Despite the interest from other teams Ince was cautious of signing a player touted as the next Michael Essien on hype alone. "He came to the club for a couple of days, but it wasn’t enough in helping me make a decision and to consider how much we were going to pay for him." He told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"“I don’t think any manager would sign a player on just two days trial - unless they were Lionel Messi or someone like that!"

However Ince insist that he is the type of player he is looking to sign to help strengthen his squad "“We are a little bit light in midfield and that’s one of the areas that we’re looking at.”

Annan's latest comments seem to pour cold water on recent newspaper reports stating the player left Ewood Park frustrated that Blackburn were hesitant over completing the move. The fact Rovers scouts watched the young midfielder a couple of days ago show there is real interest in tying up a deal to bring Annan to Lancashire.