BLACKBURN Rovers were today set to make a third and final bid for David Dunn.

Chairman John Williams has already had two separate offers for the 27-year-old midfield star turned down by Birmingham City.

Now Rovers are planning to make one last offer for the former Ewood favourite, which they hope will be enough to keep him out of the clutches of arch rivals Bolton Wanderers.

Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is desperate to push through a deal for Dunn after the Birmingham board accepted a bid from his club last week.

Rovers must now match that offer or face the prospect of seeing the player quit St Andrews for Bolton instead.

Williams said last night: "We remain interested in David Dunn.

"We are unique in the Premiership as a small-town club and I think having a local lad in the side would add value.

"You cannot say having a local boy returning would increase attendances, but I think the fans would value having him at Rovers.

"The question now is if we feel we want to match Birmingham's valuation. Otherwise, we will have to pass."

Telegraph Sport understands Bolton have offered an initial £750,000 up front for Dunn, with a further £250,000 due in August if Birmingham achieve promotion back to the Premiership.

They have also agreed to pay another £1 million once Dunn makes 50 Premiership appearances for Wanderers.

Rovers will have to match those terms to get permission to speak to Dunn, but time is running out as the player is close to completing a switch to the Reebok.