Sharp exit sees focus switch to Diouf as big part of Rovers’ survival hopes

With Sharp heading south, Saunders views former Liverpool striker Diouf as the player whose goals can keep Rovers in the Championship.

The Senegalese international, however, has been linked with a host of clubs, including mega-rich Russian side Anzhi and LA Galaxy, and his short-term deal with Rovers expires today.

“I feared this might happen on the last day of the transfer window,” admitted Saunders, whose side visit Hull City tonight.

“Obviously I’m disappointed to lose my top striker and hopefully one day we’ll be able to keep our better players.

“We are trying to sort out a deal with Diouf. It’s been on hold because of Billy’s situation,” he added. “He’s got other offers, He’s in demand. He is only 30 and he has won the African Player of the Year twice.

“Getting players to come to the club is a lot easier with him being here.”

Sharp’s departure ends a six-month chase by second-placed Southampton, whose manager Nigel Adkins has worked previously with the striker at Scunthorpe United.

The Saints had a £3.25m bid accepted by Rovers last summer but Sharp rejected the move in the hope of landing a move to a Premier League club.

With his contract running out, the Saints have been able to get the 25-year-old at a lower price – beating off competition from Leicester City who failed to meet his wage demands.

“I wish him all the best. He’s been brilliant for the club and for me,” said Saunders.

“But no one is bigger than the club. We have to move on now and the rest of the players in the squad should see this as an opportunity to step up.

“I would like to think we have got some money we can put back into the team – but I understand the club has got a few problems behind-the-scenes financially.”

Rovers, meanwhile, have agreed to extend the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper David Button and opened talks with French winger Fabien Laurent.