David Dunn has called on the Blackburn hierarchy to do all they can to land Stoke striker James Beattie.
Midfield star wants Rovers to snap up Potters striker
David Dunn has called on the Blackburn hierarchy to do all they can to land Stoke striker James Beattie.
The England international is a product of the Rovers academy structure, but made only a handful of senior appearances for the club before leaving for Southampton as part of the deal with took Kevin Davies to Ewood Park in 1998.
He has taken in spells at Everton and Sheffield United since then, collecting five caps for his country along the way.
Beattie has, however, endured a difficult 2009/10 campaign at Stoke, with the burly frontman reported to have suffered a falling out with Potters boss Tony Pulis.
That has led to mounting speculation regarding his future, and a potential return to Blackburn.
Rovers midfielder Dunn hopes the rumours prove to be true, with the experienced playmaker of the opinion that Sam Allardyce should make signing Beattie a top priority.
"I've not spoken to Beatts about it too much but I think we'd be his preferred choice," said Dunn.
"It's the other stuff, like the fee, which would be a stumbling block but I do know he'd do well here.
"I also feel it would go down well with the fans because it's always good to have local players in the side."
Settled
Meanwhile, Dunn has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to head abroad as a free agent this summer in favour of penning a new two-and-a-half year contract with Blackburn.
"I had other options and being on a free in the summer I could've cashed in a little bit, but this is where I play my best," he said.
"A stint in the sun did cross my mind but this was the place I wanted to be at. I am settled here, my family is here and my kids go to school here. It was the right thing to do.
"If we can win our next few games there is no reason why we can't push on for the Europa League."
