BLACKBURN Rovers boss Owen Coyle is set to complete a permanent deal for Wes Brown after his defensive injury concerns mounted in last night's 1-0 EFL Cup defeat at Leeds United.

Teenager Scott Wharton came off early on in the Elland Road clash and now looks likely to join Charlie Mulgrew, Elliott Ward and Adam Henley on the sidelines.

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But Coyle, who was without Gordon Greer through a knock and Tommie Hoban and Derrick Williams because they were cup-tied, is close to signing free agent Brown.

The former Manchester United and England defender, 36, has been training with Rovers since his release from Sunderland in the summer and warmed up with the rest of the team before kick-off tonight.

Coyle said: “Hopefully we’ll have some positive news on that tomorrow.

“We’ve certainly not been blessed by luck and injury (in defence) so if we’re able to get it over the line Wes will be a good addition to the squad.”