Newcastle United striker Leon Best looks set to sign for recently relegated Blackburn Rovers, with reports today suggesting the player is undergoing a medical today at Brockhall.

Rovers, who are seeking a replacement for Yakubu who has signed for Chinese side Guangzhou last week, have agreed a fee around £2.25million to £2.5million

Interest in Leon Best was thought to be high with former club Southampton and Chris Hughton’s Norwich both apparently looking to acquire the services of the Irish-elect striker.

Best joined Newcastle in 2010 for an undisclosed fee, estimated to be around £1.3million, from Coventry City and has scored 10 goals in 46 appearances during his time as a Newcastle player.

Best missed the end of the 2011/12 season with a knee injury and the arrivals of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba in the last year as well as the reported interest in Luuk de Jong, first-team opportunities next season for Best at Newcastle would appear to be slim.

Speaking to Radio 5Live in a brief interview earlier today, Alan Pardew confirmed the ongoing medical;

“If he passes the medical then he will move, yes.“

“I think it’s a great move for Leon because he wants first team football. He’s a great guy but he wants to play.”

“Last season he was in and out, had injuries and was off-form.” “He needs to play and so, for Blackburn it’s a good signing and for us the money is okay too.”

Leon Best YouTube tribute video