Blackburn are set to re-ignite their bid to bring Ruud van Nistelrooy back to the Premier League.

According to The Sun, Sam Allardyce is prepared to make an audacious bid to persuade the Dutchman to take a pay-cut and join Rovers.

Real Madrid had made several record purchases this summer and they will be willing to release their high-earners to balance the books.

Blackburn are desperate to sign a big-name forward, having lost Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire.

Former Italy international Christian Vieri, 35, is on trial with Rovers in Austria, though a permanent deal for him is a long shot.

Blackburn are also set to open contract talks with David Dunn, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Steven Reid in the next few weeks.