Blackburn Rovers are stepping up their interest in Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi.

The Daily Mail says Rovers manager Sam Allardyce was ready to move for the 27-year old from Schalke in January as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, but Blackburn were unable to agree terms with Manchester City for the Paraguay striker who is expected to leave Ewood Park at the end of the season.

Allardyce will go back for Kuranyi but could face competition from Everton.