Scott Dann eager to kick start career at Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers' new signing Scott Dann is eager to get started at his new club and has admitted that staying with Birmingham City "wasn't an option".

The 24-year-old defender had been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer, with Arsenal and Liverpool being touted as possible destinations.

Despite constant interest, the Liverpool-born centre-back opted for a £6m move to Ewood Park.

"While I've been at Birmingham there has been a lot of speculation that I would be leaving and to get it finally wrapped up is a relief," Dann told reporters.

"I heard of Blackburn's interest a couple of days ago and it has all happened quickly and I was delighted to get it all sorted last night.

"From a personal point of view I would have liked it to have been done sooner so I could have got straight in with my new teammates but it hasn't worked out that way. It wasn't an option for me to stay in the Championship, I needed a new challenge."

Dann could make his debut for Blackburn away to Fulham in the Premier League next Sunday (September 11).