Blackburn boss Mark Hughes fully expects Sunderland to make a move for Robbie Savage.

Savage was again notable by his absence from a Blackburn side that narrowly beat Sunderland 1-0 at Ewood Park last night courtesy of a 57th-minute Benni McCarthy penalty.

The midfielder has now been absent from the 16 on duty for the last three matches, and it appears his Rovers days are numbered.

Sunderland are favourites to sign Savage, yet while Hughes claims they have yet to meet Rovers' £2million valuation, Black Cats boss Roy Keane maintains his club have not made a bid.

"I would suggest the clubs involved last night will be speaking,'' remarked Hughes regarding Savage's possible move from Blackburn to Sunderland.

"Whether or not they discussed Robbie's situation before the game, I will have to speak with my chairman.

"But it's well documented Sunderland have expressed an interest, although up to today they have not met our valuation of Robbie.

"They may well do that in the next couple of days and then we will make a decision, although other clubs have expressed an interest so it is not cut and dried at the moment.

"It's not a case, though, of trying to get Robbie out of the door as he has been great for us in his time here.

"But if we feel there is business to be done that can benefit us, then we would have to look at the money that is generated.'' Yet Keane contradicted: "We've not bid for Robbie Savage.

"We made one bid for one player last week that was turned down.

"Right now I'm interested in lots of players because there are one or two areas we are looking at, but it depends who is available.

"It is changing from day to day. You make enquiries and sometimes you get a bit of encouragement, while at other times you have the door shut in your face.

"We certainly need one or two more, with a game like this confirming that, but whether we can get these players is another issue.'' Keane, though, has confirmed a new signing is imminent as he added: "We are hopeful, certainly with one player signing in the next 24 hours.

"Hopefully that will then get the ball rolling for us to get in one or two more.'' Asked whether a tigerish player of Savage's nature was the type required for the relegation battle ahead, Keane replied: "Possibly so, a player of that style.'' Another Blackburn player potentially on his way out is striker Jason Roberts, who missed tonight's game through injury.

"We're further down the line with Robbie in fairness,'' added Hughes on Roberts, a player rated at £4million.

"Although there has been interest in Jason's situation, nobody has come in and firmed up an offer.'' While McCarthy ended a 10-match goal drought in scoring his ninth of the season, for the second successive game goalkeeper Brad Friedel saved a penalty to help his side to win.