Wes Brown: Ex-England defender nears Blackburn Rovers move

Wes Brown left Manchester United in 2011, having made 361 appearances for the club

Former England defender Wes Brown is in advanced talks to join Championship side Blackburn, says boss Owen Coyle.

The 36-year-old ex-Manchester United player was released by Sunderland in June after a five-year spell.

Brown injured his calf during pre-season with Rovers, but has proved his fitness with the club's under-23 side.

"As soon as I get the green light from the owners that I can get that over the line, I'll pursue it vigorously," Coyle told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"The proposal has been sent, it's just to come back with a yes or a no. We kick on from there."

Coyle hopes to have Brown available to face Leeds United in Tuesday's EFL Cup third-round tie, providing the deal is completed in time.

"Wes is fit and ready to play. We've had daily chats, he is an outstanding man and think he is in good shape to play now," he said.

Despite beating Mansfield and Crewe in the cup, Coyle's first Championship win as Rovers boss did not come until Saturday, when the Ewood Park side beating Rotherham United 4-2.