Blackburn Rovers are closing on a deal for Newcastle United striker Leon Best.

The Lancashire Telegraph says Rovers have already agreed a fee with the Magpies for the Republic of Ireland international, understood to be in the region of £3m, and will be eager to complete the transfer quickly amid interest from Premier League sides Southampton and Norwich.

Rovers met Best's agent yesterday as further discussions were held over personal terms for the 25-year-old.

Southampton are said to have been weighing up a bid to take the forward back to the south coast, after starting his career at St Mary's in 2004.