STEVE Kean believes Radosav Petrovic can prove to be the perfect replacement for Jermaine Jones as Blackburn Rovers close in on their first significant summer signing.

As revealed in the Lancashire Telegraph on Thursday, the Serbian midfielder has agreed a move to Ewood Park, subject to a work permit, and should finalise his switch from Partizan Belgrade imminently.

The 22-year-old is understood to have cost in the region of £3m and, having been unable to secure the return of last season’s loanee Jermaine Jones, Kean believes Petrovic will more than fill the void.

He said: “We've agreed a fee, we've agreed personal terms and now we're just subject to a work permit and Petrovic will become a Blackburn player.

“He's a fantastic player, I've seen him for a number of years.

"Unfortunately for us we lost Jermaine Jones back to Schalke and we've been looking to strengthen in that area.”