BLACKBURN Rovers boss Mark Hughes is closing in on Dutch international Andre Ooijer.

I can reveal Rovers have now tabled a formal bid for the 32-year-old centre-back, who played a leading role for Holland at the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

That offer, believed to be in the £1.5 million bracket, was being considered by Ooijer's Dutch employers PSV Eindhoven last night, and should they choose to accept it then Hughes will look to strike a deal for the versatile defender by the end of the week.

The Rovers chief has been chasing Ooijer for some time; in fact, he first tried to sign him in the January 2005 transfer window, around the same time he landed Ryan Nelsen and Aaron Mokoena.

Ooijer, who has spent almost nine years with PSV, would relish the chance to move abroad.

"I understand that the chance of a big transfer is over when you are 32 years old," he said last night.

"I just have to wait and see if Blackburn and PSV can reach an agreement."

Contrary to reports elsewhere, Hughes is now lining up Ooijer with a view to him being a possible partner for Nelsen, rather than his direct replacement.

Rovers are adamant that Nelsen is going nowhere, despite incessant speculation in the national Press continuing to link him with a move to big-spending Portsmouth.

It is believed the South Coast club have now made three separate bids for the player, the latest thought to be in excess of £5 million, but Rovers have resisted their overtures on each occasion, insisting the Kiwi is not for sale'.

That stance will not change, even if Ooijer were to join the playing staff later this week, as Hughes views the New Zealand captain as a pivotal part of his future plans.

Ooijer, in the meantime, would become the Welshman's fifth signing of the summer if he completed his proposed move from PSV.

Equally comfortable in the centre or at right-back, the Dutchman's versatility would make him another shrewd addition to the squad, as he would provide competition for a number of different players.