Yak and Dann deals done for Rovers

01 September 2011 09:30
Everton striker Yakubu and Birmingham defender Scott Dann both signed for Blackburn just before the transfer deadline.

Rovers chief Steve Kean was desperate to strengthen his defence and forward line before the transfer window slammed shut at 11pm on Wednesday evening.And, having missed out on FC Dallas' defender George John and Hoffenheim hitman Vedad Ibisevic, Kean worked hard to strengthen his ranks with alternative targets.

As reported early on Wednesday, Rovers agreed a fee with Birmingham for 24-year-old Dann and he sealed a four-year contract at Ewood Park just 30 minutes before the deadline.Meanwhile, 28-year-old Nigerian striker Yakubu also signed on the dotted line with Rovers minutes before the cut-off point.

The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough forward had slipped down Toffees' boss David Moyes' pecking order at Goodison Park following a serious knee injury. But, after he proved his fitness on loan with Leicester City in the second half of last term, where he scored 11 goals, Kean opted to take him to Rovers.Yakubu, who it was claimed had initially turned down Rovers' advances, told Skysports: "If you look at the history of the club, I think for me to be here is really, really great."I am looking forward to playing and helping the team get points and stay in the Premier League."On Blackburn boss Kean, he added: "I have met him already and he is a great manager. "For me to be here today, without him I don't think I would be here. I have to give credit to the manager and he was the one that made me come to this place. Being here is great."Rovers also reportedly terminated the contract of El-Hadji Diouf, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Glasgow Rangers.

Source: DSG