Blackburn see Nedum Onuoha as Phil Jones replacement

Blackburn Rovers are targeting Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha as a £6.5 million replacement for young defender Phil Jones.

Manager Steve Kean is in the market for a centre-back having lost his young star to Manchester United and with defensive rock Chris Samba also tipped for a move away from Ewood Park.

The 24-year-old former England under 21 international spent last season on loan at Sunderland, and Kean will face a battle with Black Cats' boss Steve Bruce over a permanent move for Onuoha.

Rovers have also lined up Brazilian centre-back Joao Miranda, but are struggling to strike a deal, and are being put off by Birmingham's £10 million valuation of Roger Johnson is valued at £10 million.