Rams move in on Blackburn defender

With Adam Bolder leaving one door at Pride Park, 21-year-old Blackburn Rovers defender James McEveley, looks like entering the other, after the club announced they are in talks with the player over a move to Pride Park

Rovers have given Derby permission to talk to the defender as boss Billy Davies looks to add further numbers to his squad ahead of this week's transfer deadline. The Rams are keen to complete the move by 12 noon today (Monday), which will allow McEveley to feature in Tuesday night's Coca-Cola Championship game against Burnley at Pride Park Stadium. A £600,000 transfer fee has been reported for the player who is out of contract with the Ewood Park club in the summer.

Liverpool-born McEveley is comfortable at left-back or in the centre of defence and came through the Academy at Ewood Park to make his top-flight debut at the age of 17. Having started his career with Everton F.C. as a youngster, he moved to Blackburn and was seen as a player of the future. He made his debut for the club against Walsall in the 2-2 draw in the League Cup.

An England under-21 international, McEveley was loaned to Burnley F.C. in December 2003 to gain some first team experience. He made 6 appearances for Burnley before suffering a knee injury and was sent back to Blackburn. In August 2005 he was loaned to Ipswich Town.

The January transfer window closes at midnight on January 31

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