Blackburn still hope to deal in crock Meriem

Blackburn Rovers have been forced to drop plans of signing Camel Meriem.

The Mirror says Blackburn's bid for French midfielder Meriem is on ice again - because of a nagging knee problem.

The former Monaco skipper, who is still a free agent, had a second stint with Rovers this week in a bid to win a contract with Sam Allardyce's men.

However Meriem is toiling with the trouble and may have a minor operation before returning for a third shot at clinching the move next month.

Allardyce wants Meriem to join his squad but needs him to be fit rather than join a group of players on the treatment table.