BLACKBURN Rovers have completed the signing of Peter Whittingham on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old becomes Ewood boss Tony Mowbray's first signing, joining on a free transfer from Cardiff City.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed earlier this week that Rovers were confident of securing a deal for the former Aston Villa man who had interest from Championship clubs plus a new offer from the Bluebirds.

And the playmaker has now put pen to paper at Ewood.

Whittingham made 37 appearances for the Bluebirds last season, scoring seven goals, but found his playing time limited towards the end of the campaign, having not completed 90 minutes since mid-March.

He made more than 450 appearances for Cardiff since joining the club in 2007, scoring 98 goals, and became a firm fans favourite with City supporters.

He began his career at Villa Park and spent time on loan with Burnley and Derby County before moving to Cardiff.

Mowbray had identified the middle of midfield as a key area to strengthen having released Jason Lowe, Hope Akpan and Danny Guthrie at the end of last season while Corry Evans is currently out injured.