BARNSLEY defender Scott Wiseman has emerged on Blackburn Rovers’ radar as new boss Michael Appleton starts to plot the club’s route back into Championship play-off contention.

While West Ham United are understood to have now bid in the region of £4million for Martin Olsson – just 24 hours after manager Sam Allardyce said they were unlikely to raise their bid from an initial £2m.

But Rovers remain keen to hold on to the Swede and Appleton is also eager to add to his squad before the end of January.

Appleton was close to signing 27-year-old Wiseman when he was Blackpool boss earlier this month, with the Yorkshire outfit now braced for him to revive his interest in the versatile defender.

No official contact has yet been made as Rovers mull over other possible transfer business but the Tykes would be willing to let their former skipper leave for a fee in the region of £150,000.

A number of other potential targets are also understood to be being considered at Ewood Park, including West Brom centre back Craig Dawson.

Rovers are believed to be one of a host of Championship clubs tracking the England under 21 international with regards a possible loan move, although they may all have to wait until later in the window.

Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers are also understood to be tracking the 22-year-old.

The Ewood Park club had expressed an interest in former midfielder David Bentley before Appleton’s appointment, with the Spurs man believed to be interested in a return, but sources close to the player are unsure if any move will now materialise.

Rovers’ transfer business this window is likely to depend on potential January departures, with French defender Gael Givet still hopeful of an exit.

The loss of Givet would strengthen Appleton’s need for defensive reinforcements, with Dawson then becoming a more immediate target.

Barnsley’s Wiseman can play at either right back or centre back and was all set to move to Bloomfield Road at the start of the January transfer window, when Appleton was manager there.

Blackpool had a bid accepted but the move broke down due to personal terms, as Appleton grew increasingly frustrated at the lack of transfer activity at Rovers’ Lancashire rivals.

Wiseman would be keen on a move having fallen out of favour in recent weeks, including receiving heavy criticism from the Oakwell supporters.

Bristol City are also believed to be interested in him, while if Chelsea loanee Todd Kane continues to impress at Rovers, Appleton may opt to extend his spell at Ewood Park instead.

Meanwhile Rovers remain hopeful summer Leon Best will return to action next month, having missed the season so far after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Best moved to Ewood from Newcastle United for in the region of £3million but injured himself in a pre-season friendly against AEK Athens.