BOLTON face a tug of war with neighbours Blackburn for Birmingham midfielder David Dunn.

Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce suggested the deal with Brum could be tied up this week as long as Dunn passed a medical.

However, Rovers have now entered the chase after their own midfield ace Steven Reid suffered a season-ending injury.

The former Premiership champions previously failed to match Birmingham's valuation.

But chairman John Williams has now said: "We remain interested in David Dunn.

"We are unique in the Premiership as a small-town club and I think having a local lad in the side would add value.

"You cannot say having a local boy returning would increase attendances but I think the fans would value having him at Rovers.

"The question now is if we feel we want to match Birmingham's valuation. Otherwise, we will have to pass."

Dunn, 27, left Ewood Park in 2003 but has posted only 50-plus appearances for Birmingham. The Midlanders have agreed an initial é750,000 for the player with another é1m being paid depending on appearances.

Wanderers have also been linked with Crystal Palace's promising midfielder Tom Soares.

But Palace boss Peter Taylor has knocked back enquiries from Reading and Charlton in addition to Bolton's interest.

BOLTON'S game against Manchester United on March 17 will now kick off at 12.45pm.



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