SAM Allardyce may have to sell some of his Blackburn Rovers squad to enable him to sign former Real Madrid defender Miguel Salgado.

The 33-year-old former Spanish international is currently in talks with the Ewood Park outfit, with Rovers boss Sam Allardyce keen on snapping him up on a free transfer.

Allardyce’s summer transfer dealings have already stretched his finances to the limit though, having signed six players, leaving the club contemplating ways of improving the quality of the squad without increasing the financial burden.

Salgado has convinced Allardyce he still has the physical attributes to be a success in the Premier League but his signing now depends on freeing up the money to match his wage demands.

This would probably involve the sale of one or two of his squad members, with the club currently boasting 26 senior players – not including the likes of Alan Judge, Keith Treacy and Mark Bunn currently on loan elsewhere.

Rovers could be tempted into cashing in on the significant interest there has been in striker Paul Gallagher, although more trading could be necessary to fit Salgado into the club’s financial constraints.

Meanwhile Aston Villa are still 'very interested' in left back Stephen Warnock, having made official contact over a week ago, although their valuation of around £4million is some way short of Rovers'.

Salgado was at Rovers’ training ground yesterday to have assessments carried out on his fitness and talks about a possible deal are expected to continue.

In 10 years at Real Madrid, having signed from Celta Vigo for 11million euros in 1999, Salgado made over 250 appearances, winning the Champions League twice and the Spanish League title four times.

He has made more than 50 appearances for Spain, featuring in Euro 2000 and the 2006 World Cup, and is a free agent after being released by Real this summer.