Blackburn land Rigters

In-demand Dutch striker Maceo Rigters has signed for Blackburn for an undisclosed fee.

Rovers had been following the progress of the 23-year-old for some time and the NAC Breda forward agreed a four-year deal after a passing a medical at Ewood Park on Monday.

Rigters, who had also been linked with Newcastle, Celtic and Rangers, has finished top scorer at the recent European U-21 championships.

It was he who scored the spectacular overhead kick in the last minute against England that led to the Netherlands eventually securing an epic penalty shoot-out victory.

Blackburn chairman John Williams told PA Sport: "We have been following him for some time after Mark Hughes identified him as a player he would be interested in."

Rigters' arrival however could be an indication that Blackburn expect to lose Benni McCarthy.

The free-scoring South African striker has made no secret of the fact he would like to be at a club playing in the Champions League.

Rigters is Blackburn's second capture of the summer - it came hours after the signing of goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen.

The 20-year-old Faroe Islands U-21 international has penned a two-year deal with the option of a further year after Rovers agreed a "small fee" with Danish club BK Frem Copenhagen.

Nielsen, who enjoyed a successful trial back in May, told Rovers World: "I am very pleased - it is a massive opportunity for me just to develop in the best league in the world. I'm glad that the manager and staff believe in me and I won't let them down."