BLACKBURN Rovers are attempting to finalise the signing of Ben Marshall from Leicester City.

Marshall, who is predominately a winger but can also play in a central supporting role, has been made available after dropping down the pecking order at Leicester and Rovers have made their move for the 22-year-old.

Sources suggest the player has been in talks with Rovers over personal terms and underwent medical tests yesterday.

Rovers are thorough with their medicals and by convention take around 24 hours to assess the results, including aspects such as blood tests, before giving the final go-ahead.

If everything goes smoothly, a deal could be completed today.

Gary Bowyer has been keen to strengthen in attacking areas for several weeks and has pressed ahead with a move for Marshall, even after Saturday’s 5-2 thrashing of Barnsley at Ewood Park.

The Rovers boss refused to confirm or deny an interest in Marshall last week.

No fee is being confirmed by either club but the deal is reported to be worth approaching £1m.

Rovers’ transfer kitty was recently boosted by the sale of Mauro Formica to Mexican side Cruz Azul.

The 6ft 1in Salford-born player was a youngster at Manchester United and then spent time in the youth system at Crewe Alexandra under current Rovers assistant manager Terry McPhillips.

He turned professional with Stoke City and had loans with Northampton, Cheltenham, Carlisle and Sheffield Wednesday.

He joined Leicester for around £750,000 in 2012 after rejecting the offer of an extended deal at the Britannia Stadium.

Marshall has scored nine goals in 61 appearances for Leicester – 40 of them starts – and has made two appearance for England under 21s.

But he has not featured for the Foxes this season and was not involved in the squad that took on Carlisle in the second round of the League Cup last night.

Rovers had also pondered a move for Atalanta midfielder James Troisi, although Norwich are now said to be closing in on a season-long loan for the Australian.

Sources in the north east claim Newcastle have been contacted by agents offering the services of Jordan Rhodes, although the Magpies have currently decided to look elsewhere as they attempt to bolster their strike force. Rovers remain keen to hang on to their star man but are realistic that interest from the Premier League would tempt Rhodes. Diogo Rosado, who agreed a settlement to leave Ewood Park last week, has joined Vitoria Setubal in his native Portugal on a two-year deal. Gareth Southgate has selected Todd Kane in his first squad as England under 21 boss.

Corry Evans has been named in the Northern Ireland senior squad.