Tivoli move for Harbour View's Blackburn

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

In an effort to strengthen their attacking options, premier league champions, Tivoli Gardens, are on the verge of acquiring the services of former national youth striker, Marcelino Blackburn, from rivals Harbour View.

The west Kingston-based team's strike force could be limited this season. There is a contract on the table for national midfielder Daley, and he could sign for English League One club Preston North End.

Another national striker, Navion Boyd, could also be on his way out of the club. He is awaiting communication out of Finland, this after a successful one-week trial with a Finnish club.

"Discussions are ongoing with the two clubs and we are hoping to seal a deal with Harbour View for the player (Blackburn)," said Brian Rose, manager of Tivoli. "We might lose some key players, so we have to find replacements for them and so this is one way we are going about replacing these players," he said.

Continuing Rose said: "He is an attacking player and we are lacking depth in our attack, and so I think that this is a wise move to bring in a player like this to our club."

Talented striker

Blackburn, who is regarded as one of the most talented strikers in the Premier League, netted five goals in the Premier League competition for Harbour View last season.

The 27-year-old Blackburn, who is a former Charlie Smith Manning Cup and Arnett Gardens premier league standout, is also a national senior team invitee.

Rose also noted that they have acquired the services of defender Dwayne Holmes from St Georges Sports Club and they are currently in negotiation with another defender, who is a member of Jamaica's Under-23 team.

"We are also in negotiation with a player from the Under-23 team and this player is a key member of the squad that is currently taking part in the qualifiers in Suriname," Rose stated.