Middlesbrough face a fight for Robert Huth and Brett Emerton after Blackburn manager Mark Hughes confirmed his interest in the German star and his determination to hang onto the Aussie international.
The Teessiders blocked a £5 million move for Chelsea stopper Huth last month after a medical revealed some bone damage in his foot.
But following surgery on the injury Boro were hopeful of resurrecting a loan deal leading to a possible permanent transfer in January.
Now however, Hughes' interest means that they face competition for the 21-year-old's signature.
"Players of Robert Huth's ability don't come on the market very often," he said.
"Whether or not he's available at the moment, or is a possibility, we will have to wait and see. There are a lot of players out there you covet and sometimes it's not possible to get them."
Boro have made an enquiry for Emerton, who is out of contract next summer.
But Hughes is confident the 27-year-old - who has also been linked with West Ham - will sign a new deal at Ewood Park and is under no pressure to sell.
"We are in the situation where we don't have to let Brett go," said Hughes, before flying to a training camp in Holland.
"He is under contract and the decision is very much mine. I will have an opportunity while we're away to sit down and talk it through, talk my feelings about the situation. We have offered him a good contract and I hope he signs."
