Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has rejected an approach from the UAE's Al Ahli.

The News of the World says Al Ahli have already secured Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro to play in the UAE league next season and are trying to sign Juventus legend Alessandro del Piero.

The club's wealthy owners want a big-name manager, with Allardyce turning down an approach.

The ambitious Dubai side have now turned to Italy coach Marcello Lippi and flew out to South Africa on Friday for talks.