Allardyce closes on first deal

Blackburn are believed to be closing in on a swoop for El-Hadji Diouf after admitting they are ready to make an offer for a player.

Diouf has endured a miserable time at Sunderland since joining from Bolton Wanderers in the summer and now Rovers boss Sam Allardyce, who was like a father figure to him when in charge at the Reebok Stadium, wants to re-sign him.

The Senegal ace has confirmed Rovers and Wigan are both keen, but it looks as though Allardyce is favourite to land him.

Blackburn chairman John Williams says they are closing in on a signing and although he is refusing to name names, it is thought Diouf is the player he is talking about.

"There is one player we have moved on," Williams revealed. "I would say we are very close to making a bid for one player but I would again stress there is no emergency.

"Sam has had a very considered look at what we have got though and we think it would take a good player to improve on what we already have at the club.

"He is not taking a scatter gun approach to the transfer window and I would stress at the moment there have been no bids made or received."