BLACKBURN Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has swooped for Spanish legend Michel Salgado - and hopes to tie up a quick deal for him before the season starts. (Daily Mirror)The tough 33-year-old right back, capped 53 times by his country, arrived in Lancashire for talks about a shock free transfer move yesterday.

BLACKBURN Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has swooped for Spanish legend Michel Salgado - and hopes to tie up a quick deal for him before the season starts. (Daily Mirror)

The tough 33-year-old right back, capped 53 times by his country, arrived in Lancashire for talks about a shock free transfer move yesterday.

Salgado was in for talks with Rovers officials along with his solicitor and will have a brief 'test' before finding out what is on offer - with Allardyce keen on cheap and quality recruits.

The veteran defender finally quit Real after making over 250 appearances for them. He was being phased out before their summer spending spree but still wants to play in England at a top level.

Allardyce has already signed a right back this summer in Danish international Lars Jacobsen, so the move is a surprise. However the Blackburn chief is always open to signing experienced players with good CVs.

Salgado also has interest from West Ham, but Rovers are clear favourites to complete the deal if he can convince Allardyce that he is fit enough to play in England.

It would be an eye-catching coup as Salgado has been linked with the Premier League before and even at his age he is a tough competitor who could give Rovers some experience and muscle.