According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers are still waiting to hear back on whether Efe Ambrose will be granted a work permit to play for the club.

Blackburn agreed a loan deal with Scottish giants Celtic for Ambrose's services on a half season loan deal on deadline day but they are awaiting ratification from the Football Association and the Home Office, who are mulling over whether to sanction a work permit.

Blackburn Rovers are light at the back and Owen Coyle is very keen to strengthen ahead of a relegation scrap.

The Lancashire based outfit are currently in the relegation zone with three points separating them from safety.

However, they can go level on points with Burton Albion if they win their game in hand.

The report by the Lancashire Telegraph suggests that Coyle will turn his attention to free agents if they fail to land Ambrose.

Here are 2 suggestions for him to consider.

Vegard Forren

Former Southampton defender Vegard Forren is available on a free after his contract expired with Norwegian side Molde.

Perhaps the 28-year-old fancies returning to England to see if he can be more successful the second time around.

The Norway international has 33 caps for his country and over 300 appearances in all competitions for Molde over two spells so he clearly has some talent.

Christopher Samba

Christopher Samba is a former Blackburn Rovers hero from their Premier League era.

The 6'4'' towering centre half is powerful, dominant and he was a key part of Blackburn's Premier League side.

After almost 200 appearances for Rovers, maybe he fancies making a return to help his old side steer clear of relegation.