BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes is unlikely to make any further signings before the transfer window shuts next week, unless a deal emerges that he considers to be too good to miss'.

Hughes is happy with the general make-up of his squad, and he has made it clear he is in no rush to make any further additions before the deadline, although the Welshman is always open to an unexpected opportunity should one present itself.

While the rest of Rovers' Premiership rivals have been spending record sums on reinforcements this summer, Hughes has deliberately kept most of his powder dry, splashing out less than £4 million on Roque Santa Cruz and Maceo Rigters, his only two cash signings so far.

A specialist right-back and a long-term replacement for Tugay still remain on the manager's wish-list, but Hughes would prefer to wait until January to strengthen in those departments, knowing he could be armed with extra funds from a proposed takeover by that point.

But, for now at least, Hughes believes he has adequate cover in all departments, and it would take something special for him to make another move in the market before the window closes at the end of the month.

Chairman John Williams said: "Mark is happy with the squad as it is and we are unlikely to do any further business in this window, unless something is put to us that really excites us."

In the meantime, Everton, who Rovers face at the weekend, last night agreed a club record £11.25 million fee with Middlesbrough for Yakubu.

The Nigerian international, who was in the Boro side that lost to Rovers on the opening day of the season, is expected to complete his switch to Merseyside in the next 24 hours, and could make his Toffees debut against Rovers at Goodison Park on Saturday (kick off 5.15pm).

David Moyes is desperate to rush through a deal for the 24-year-old because he currently faces a striker crisis, with Andrew Johnson (fluid on the knee), James Vaughan (dislocated shoulder) and Victor Anichebe (ankle injury) all on the sidelines, leaving James McFadden as his only fit forward.

Rovers will be without the suspended Ryan Nelsen, who serves a one-game ban as a result of his sending off against Arsenal on Sunday.

Andre Ooijer is standing by to deputise alongside Chris Samba in the centre of defence.

Matt Derbyshire is also hoping to keep his place in attack against the Toffees after he was preferred up front to Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

The 21-year-old, who already has three goals to his name this season, including one for the England Under 21s in their 1-1 draw with Romania on Tuesday night, believes the increased competition for places up front at Rovers following the arrival of Roque Santa Cruz is helping to bring the best out in him.

"I think that makes you a better player," said Derbyshire.

"You can only learn off these players coming in and get better yourself.

"I'm 21 and throughout my career, there's going to be strikers coming in, and strikers going out, so I think the best you can do is get your head down, do your hard work and leave the gaffer to make the decision."