Blackburn Rovers are closing in on Olympique Marseille midfielder Modeste M'Bami.

The defensive midfielder's agent, Jean-Christophe Thouvenel, has confirmed Rovers are in the hunt for M'Bami, who is available for nothing as he is out of contract this summer.

"There is real interest from Blackburn, and we can call it mutual as Modeste would welcome the possibility of joining them this summer," Thouvenel told Setanta.

"Moving to England attracts him and Blackburn are apparently interested in his profile - a sentinel in front of the defence, with an athletic impact.

"But I must say a Spanish club are also keen on his services. It is another option, but he is happy with the Blackburn possibility.

"Modeste is a free agent. There's nothing to pay for him, no transfer fee, and in terms of a work permit, he has a French passport, so everything is fine."