Blackburn's Allardyce set for dual Marseille raid.

Byline: NEVILLE HOLDING

BLACKBURN manager Sam Allardyce is poised for a double raid on Marseille once the French league season ends this weekend.

Allardyce, trying to tie up a permanent deal for another Marseille player in centre-back Gael Givet following his recent loan spell at Ewood Park, is currently being linked with a move for Argentinian defender Renato Civelli.

However, the French club's Cameroon international Modeste M'Bami is potentially on the move to Rovers as a replacement for club legend Tugay. The defensive midfielder's agent, Jean-Christophe Thouvenel, has confirmed Rovers are in the hunt for M'Bami, who is available for nothing as he is out of contract this summer.

"There is real interest from Blackburn, and we can call it mutual as Modeste would welcome the possibility of joining them this summer," said Thouvenel on www.setanta.com.

"Moving to England attracts him and Blackburn are apparently interested in his profile - a sentinel in front of the defence, with an athletic impact.

"But I must say a

Spanish club are also keen on his services. It is another option, but he is happy with the Blackburn possibility.

"Modeste is a free agent.

There's nothing to pay for him, no transfer fee, and in terms of a work permit, he has a French passport, so everything is fine."