BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes is investigating the possibility of bringing in a new defender on a season-long loan.

The Rovers chief is keen to bolster his numbers at the back and wants to draft in an experienced stopper as cover for Andy Todd, Ryan Nelsen and Zurab Khizanishvili.

Inter Milan's Marco Materazzi and Roma defender Matteo Ferrari are two targets currently being considered by the Welshman, but the top priority remains a proven strike-partner for Craig Bellamy.

Rovers chairman, John Williams, said: "Marco Materazzi and Matteo Ferrari are two of the names on the list.

"We've had a look at Marco and we know all about him, while Matteo was well regarded before he came to Everton last season.

"But at the moment our main priority remains a striker and that's where we are channelling all our energies."

Materazzi is a vastly experienced defender who has already sampled life in the Premiership with Everton.

He's set to have talks with Inter regarding his future in the next few days with Rovers, Newcastle and Tottenham ready to step in if he indicates he wants to come back to England.

Ferrari, meanwhile, spent last season on loan at Everton but he never became a regular in the side.