A RISING Blackburn Rovers star is set to splash out on some bling, according to a jeweller.

Steven Nzonzi, who scooped the Blackburn Rovers Player of the Year award, has been in talks with a London jeweller about having a custom-made diamond ring, the firm said.

The ring, which would be worth thousands of pounds, is set to be encrusted with dozens of small diamonds and has his initials NZ on the top with IZI DREAM inscribed on the band.

The jewellers, Diamond Thoughts, count many famous footballers among their customers, including French former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse who also had a custom-made ring and Sunderland player Kenwyne Jones who purchased bespoke diamond watches and a personalised pendant.

Justin Cochrane, owner of the jewellers said they had been approached by the 21-year-old Blackburn Rovers player.

He said: “We have just drawn up a sketch design for him and he is currently deciding whether he likes it.

“The quality of our products is really high and at the moment jewellery is an investment due to the price of gold and diamonds and because it retains its value.”

Nzonzi, who is of Congolese descent, was signed from French minnows Amiens for £400,000 last summer.

But he has been a roaring success this season, capturing the club's Player of the Year award.

Mr Cochrane said: “Players are investing in a few good quality pieces of jewellery rather than buying flashy cars which depreciate in value as soon as they leave the showroom.

"Also something personalised holds sentimental value.”

A testimonial from Sheffield United player, David Cotterill on the jeweller's website read: “I keep coming back because every piece of jewellery I have purchased is original.

"The diamonds are top quality and designs you guys come up with are fantastic.

"Keep up the good work, I’ll be back.”