Blackburn to beat off Man City and Liverpool for CSKA playmaker

Kenny Dalglish’s plan to turn Liverpool into a British force is coming along nicely, but the Scot still has eyes on foreign talents.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers are all in the chase for CSKA Moscow attacker Keisuke Honda, although it seems Blackburn are leading the chase with reports suggesting a bid has been tabled.

It would be a major coup for Blackburn and their new owners if they are to beat Liverpool and Manchester City to the signing of Honda, and while CSKA have been fending off offers for the player for months, Honda has asked that they listen to Blackburn’s.

Honda has had a troubled start to the Russian season despite his club sitting four points clear at the top of the league, and the Japanese international has told the Russian media that he wants to move on.

The 25-year-old was influential in helping Japan reach the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup and his creativity plus his ability to chip in with the odd goal would be a huge asset to Blackburn.

Back in January Honda suggested that if he were to leave CSKA, he would rather it were for Spain.

Atletico Madrid have constantly been linked with a move for Honda and it is reports in Spain that suggest Blackburn have tabled a bid worth around £7m.

That seems unlikely to be enough for CSKA to depart with their midfielder but Blackburn have played their hand and they are willing to negotiate.

Figures of £12m have been bandied about in the press but it is believed CSKA are looking for a figure in the region of £8m to land Honda, and Ewood Park could well be the stage for Honda next season.