Danny Murphy has claimed the influence of Steve Kean convinced him to drop into the Championship and become Blackburn Rovers' first signing of the summer.

The former England international, 35, resisted several offers from Premier League clubs, understood to include Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United, to sign a two-year contract at Ewood Park on Monday. He was a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Fulham.

Kean remains the focus of widespread anger among Rovers supporters following the club's relegation last season but was last week assured his position was safe by the club's owners, Venky's. And Murphy claimed: "When meeting Steve Kean I soon realised the passion, enthusiasm and ambition he has for the club and how much he wants the team to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.

"His desire to get me to the club was a huge factor in my decision to join. The owners were also very passionate about their desire to move Blackburn forward as a club and create a squad that is able to achieve promotion."

Murphy returns to the north-west, where he previously played for Liverpool and Crewe Alexandra, having also spent time at Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur before his move to Craven Cottage.

Kean told the Blackburn Rovers website: "Being able to bring Danny on board is a massive boost for everyone and I couldn't be more delighted. His record is there for all to see. He is a model professional, who has a real hunger to keep on playing football and we are thrilled he has decided to commit his future to us. This is a pivotal signing for us."