Blackburn issue McCarthy warning

Blackburn Rovers Benni McCarthy celebrates scoring his second penalty against Bolton Wanderers during their Premiership football match in Bolton, March 2007. According to Blackburn's chairman McCarthy will not be leaving Blackburn at any price.

South African striker Benni McCarthy will not be leaving Blackburn at any price, according to the Premiership club's chairman.

McCarthy has been linked with a move to Chelsea after hinting he wanted Champions League football.

It had been suggested that Blackburn signed Paraguay forward Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich this week because they were resigned to losing McCarthy.

But John Williams is adamant Rovers will rebuff any offers for the former Porto star, who scored 24 goals during a superb debut in the Premiership last season.

"I think our big players will still want to be here. We certainly want to hold on to them," Williams said.

"We are rebuilding and I am confident in the squad we have. We have every reason to feel excited.

"Mark Hughes is going to have some headaches selecting his side but that is a nice problem to have. I am rather pleased about that.

"You need a strong squad to compete in the toughest league in the world. We aim to improve year on year and I am hopeful we can do this time around."