Rovers hope to end Gresko saga
Blackburn are hopeful of bringing the long-running Vratislav Gresko signing saga to a successful conclusion on Friday, following the granting of a work permit to the Slovakian defender today.
The full-back spent five months at Ewood Park on loan from Parma last season and the clubs have since agreed a fee for the player, who has accepted personal terms and a three-year deal at Ewood Park.
A hitch over the work permit meant the signing was protracted – but Rovers officials attended a hearing in Sheffield today and made a successful case for the player.
Blackburn chief executive John Williams told the club’s official website, www.rovers.co.uk: “It’s good news for all concerned.
“We are now hopeful we can push through the paperwork and complete the deal on Friday.”
The news comes on a day when Rovers revealed they are ready to run the rule over another Slovakian – striker Robert Vittek.
The 21-year-old, who recently faced England and has won 17 caps, was recommended to manager Graeme Souness by an agent.
Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: “He’s one who has been put to us.
“We have invited him over for an assessment and trial next week but that’s as far as it’s gone at this stage.”
Vittek was the Slovakian league’s top scorer with 19 goals last season as his side led the championship race for the majority of the campaign before letting the title slip in the final weeks.
He has been linked to a number of clubs including Barclaycard Premiership rivals Birmingham, Borussia Monchengladbach, Fenerbahce and Genk.
But Blackburn would appear to have jumped to the head of the queue.
Slovan Bratislava director Roman Duben said: “Graeme Souness knows everything about Vittek and he wants to add him to his team.”
Souness has already completed four signings, with Steven Reid this week following Brett Emerton, David Yelldell and Lorenzo Amoruso in making the move to Ewood Park.
