BLACKBURN Rovers will face serious competition for the signing of January target Sebastian Larsson after it was confirmed he will quit Birmingham this summer.

The midfielder will not be offered a new contract by the Midlanders and was set to leave anyway after their relegation to the Championship.

Rovers boss Steve Kean is expected to renew his interest in the 25-year-old but sources close to the player believe he would favour a reunion with his old boss Steve Bruce at Sunderland.

Newcastle and Stoke City are believed to also be interested in Larsson, as are a number of clubs from abroad.