BLACKBURN ROVERS boss Mark Hughes last night admitted he would love to see David Dunn back in a Rovers shirt - but he could face competition for his signature.

Dunn is desperate to return to Rovers when the transfer window opens in 12 days time, and Hughes plans to test Birmingham's resolve by tabling a bid in the region of £1 million for the former Ewood Park crowd favourite.

However, Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce is also thought to be mulling over a move for the injury-plagued midfielder.

Asked if he was interested in making a January move for Dunn, Hughes said: "We made an enquiry in the summer and we were knocked back.

"David Dunn is another club's player so it's not right for me to discuss individual players.

"But if good players become available then I will look at any situation and see if it strengthens the squad that I already have."

Hughes has been one of Dunn's biggest admirers since the days when they used to be team-mates together at Rovers, and he would jump at the chance to bring him back to the club if, as expected, Birmingham are prepared to sell him.

"If' is a big word," said Hughes.

"But I know David as a player and as a person, I've played with him and I know the guy, and I like him as a player and as a person.

"But that doesn't mean to say he's signing for Blackburn Rovers.

"David is a Birmingham City player and until there is an indication from them (that they are ready to sell him) I don't expect anything to happen."

Sources in the Midlands claim the Blues WILL sell Dunn in the transfer window, but they may be reluctant to broker a deal with Rovers, particularly for a knockdown fee, given the strained relations between the two clubs.

City are still angry at the way the Robbie Savage transfer was played out two years ago, and they would also be loathed to sell Dunn back to Blackburn for a fraction of the £5.5 million fee they paid for him three years ago.

However, as Dunn's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, they may ultimately decide to cut their losses on a player who has made just 53 starts since 2003.

Responding to suggestions that the Savage saga may affect Rovers' hopes of striking a deal, Hughes said: "You'll have to ask Birmingham City about that.

"I don't think it's affected the situation from Blackburn Rovers' side."