Blackburn Rovers have signed DJ Campbell on a two-year deal after the 31-year-old striker was released by Queens Park Rangers.

Campbell scored 10 goals in 17 appearances during a loan spell at Ipswich Town last season, that prolific three-month switch proving a major catalyst in the Suffolk club’s climb away from the foot-of-the-table.

Town were unwilling to hand out a long-term contract to the striker in the January transfer window though and, after a permanent switch to Hull controversially fell through on deadline day, he ended up joining Blackburn on loan until the end of the season.

And after failing to score in his seven appearances for the Lancashire club, a foot injury curtailing his campaign, the Ewood Park outfit have signed him on a two-year year following his release by newly-relegated Championship club QPR – the team he grew up supporting as a boy.

“DJ is a player who has huge experience and is a proven goalscorer at this level,” said Rovers manager Gary Bowyer.

“He feels he has some unfinished business with the club and is hungry to succeed. He will add a different dimension to our attacking options and he is the right character we want to have on board.”

With Paul Taylor returning to fitness and both David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy signing permanent deals following loan spells, Town are well stocked in the striker department. Frank Nouble finished last season well, while manager Mick McCarthy says transfer-listed Michael Chopra – who says he will not take a pay cut to move elsewhere – could still have a future at Portman Road.

New additions Jay Tabb and Cole Skuse will bolster the midfield, with McCarthy’s priority in the transfer window now to add depth to a light-on-the-ground defence and a versatile winger to fill the void left by released wideman Lee Martin.

The Blues are currently locked in negotiations with Bristol City regarding a swap deal which would see the transfer-listed Jay Emmanuel-Thomas swapped for Paul Anderson.

Meanwhile, former Colchester United keeper Dean Gerken – released by Bristol City last season – is training with the Blues in Ireland ahead of their first pre-season game, against Shelbourne, on Saturday.