Big Sam is a Big admirer of Finnan.

Byline: By PAUL O'HEHIR

STEVE FINNAN could be one of Sam Allardyce's first signings as Blackburn Rovers boss.

The experienced Republic of Ireland defender is with Spanish side Espanyol - but a number of English teams are now chasing his signature.

Finnan, 32, joined the La Liga side from Liverpool in September after falling out of favour with Red boss Rafa Benitez.

But the highly-rated fullback has struggled with a succession of injuries and has started just two games for the Barcelona side.

Those frustrations have made it difficult for Finnan to settle into Spanish life and his employers are aware of this.

And offers in the region of pounds 1.5 million could be enough to lure the Irish defender away from Spain in the January transfer window.

Tottenham and even Arsenal have added Finnan to their Christmas wish-lists but the two London clubs are only interested in loan deals.

But Espanyol officials would only let Finnan go for a fee and Blackburn will be monitoring the situation closely.

Allardyce has not spoken about Finnan but when quizzed at the weekend about his January shopping he said: "I'll be bold and brave in the transfer market."

But Blackburn won't have a fortune to spend so Big Sam will need to show all the wheeler-deeler cunning of his Bolton days.

And even if Blackburn do pursue Finnan they'll face competition from another Premier League side as well as Championship clubs.

Finnan's former employers Fulham are also interested and could have cash to splash if Jimmy Bullard joins Tottenham in the weeks ahead.

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TRANSFER Steve Finnan