Diouf reunited with Allardyce at Blackburn

Blackburn were set Friday to complete the surprise signing of former African player of the year El-Hadji Diouf from Sunderland.

Diouf, 28, only moved to Sunderland at the end of last season but the two clubs have agreed a fee of around two million pounds that will enable the Senegal forward to be reunited with Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn manager.

Allardyce, who brought Diouf to England when he was in charge of Bolton, said the signing would enable him to allow Matt Derbyshire to join Greek club Olympiacos on loan until the end of the season.

“He (Diouf) can play a few positions, down the right, down the left, as well as along the front,” Allardyce added. “I’m hoping he can come and give me the kind of performances he gave at Bolton.

“He is in the prime of his career, so hopefully we will get that sorted today and get him in the squad (to face Tottenham) tomorrow.”

Diouf, who turned 28 earlier this month, cost Sunderland 2.5 million pounds but did not made as big an impact as hoped for at the Stadium of Light. He started 13 matches for the club and come on as a substitute three times but failed to score in any of his appearances.

Sunderland also sold Pascal Chimbonda back to Tottenham earlier this week and manager Ricky Sbragia is hoping to use the funds raised to sign an experienced defender before Sunday’s derby clash with Newcastle.

Allardyce meanwhile confirmed that Blackburn had rejected a fresh offer from Manchester City for their striker Roque Santa Cruz, but admitted he could not be certain of hanging on to the Paraguay international.

“Yes, City have made another bid,” he said. “We have considered it and it’s not been accepted but whether they come back before Monday’s 5pm deadline, I’ve no idea.”

City’s latest offer valued Santa Cruz at 18.5 million pounds, according to reports, and Blackburn’s resolve to keep the forward is almost certain to be tested again over the weekend.

The 27-year-old has made it clear he would like to leave Blackburn for City, now managed by former Rovers boss Mark Hughes.