KEAN LOOKS AT MACKIE

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is thought to be looking at the possibility of bringing QPR striker Jamie Mackie to Ewood Park in the summer transfer window. The QPR forward has been linked with a move away from the club after failing to impress manager Mark Hughes, who is looking to bring in several high profile players to the club in the summer.

Steve Kean has been criticised in various quarters for failing to prevent the club from being relegated to the Championship. It was thought that the club would be facing an uncertain future in the Championship, but they have been spending decent amount of money so far.

Steve Kean is thought to have made Jamie Mackie is main priority in the transfer window. As a result, there are rumours that Blackburn will be coming with a £ 3.5 million bid for the striker. Even though the forward only recently signed a contract extension with the club, it is thought that he does not figure in the long-term plans of manager Mark Hughes. It is also thought that Blackburn would be interested in bringing disgraced QPR midfielder Joey Barton to the club. The former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder is banned for 12 matches, but that will not affect Blackburn significantly because there are 46 matches in the Championship.

Even though Joey Barton is on a significantly high wage of £ 80,000 per week, Blackburn Rovers will be able to afford his salary because it will be partly funded by QPR. QPR recently decided to remove Joey Barton from the captain's post, while also fining him six weeks wages. Jamie Mackie has scored seven goals in last 24 appearances for QPR last season. He is expected to be a significant player in the Championship with Blackburn next season, if he'd signed for them.