Blackburn Rovers are ready to offer £5 million for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.

The News of the World says Rovers boss Mark Hughes believes he can lure the 25-year-old away from the Blues, where his chances have been limited.

Sidwell moved to Stamford Bridge on a free last summer but wants regular first-team football.

Sparky might face a challenge from Newcastle for Sidwell's signature as Toon boss Kevin Keegan was a big fan of the player when he was in charge at Manchester City.