Liverpool and Arsenal on Dann alert

Scott Dann could be the next high-profile defender to demand to leave Blackburn following Chris Samba's transfer request.

Dann, 24, was given assurances when he arrived from Birmingham City in a £6million deal last summer that he was being signed to play alongside Samba and not replace the 6ft 4in Congo centre half.

But, with Blackburn ready to listen to offers in excess of £12m for Samba, Dann is seeking urgent talks with manager Steve Kean.

The news will alert Liverpool and Arsenal, who were both linked with Dann in the summer, while Aston Villa and Everton are also keen on the former England Under 21 centre back.

His former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish would like to take him to Villa Park in a swap-plus-cash deal with James Collins, but the Villa defender is said to be reluctant to join Blackburn.

Samba went into training on the players' day off yesterday to hold talks with Kean and reiterated his desire to leave.

Blackburn also face a battle to keep Junior Hoilett, 21, although the winger's father and agent believes the Samba situation means his son will not be able to leave until his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Source: Daily Mail

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