Sheffield United target Blackburn Rovers striker Nick Blackman

Sheffield United are planning to make a bid for Blackburn Rovers striker Nick Blackman, according to Sky Sports News.

The Blades are reportedly lining up a bid for the highly-rated forward to spearhead their promotion hopes this season.

Blackman has been at Ewood Park since 2009 without ever getting a run of first-team football, spending time on loan at Blackpool, Oldham Athletic, Aberdeen and Motherwell.

Rovers boss Steve Kean may be forced to give Blackman a chance after seeing new signing Leon Best ruled out for six months with a knee injury.

The 22-year-old has one year left on his Blackburn contract and may want the opportunity to speak to United manager Danny Wilson about a move to League One.