Wanderers could find themselves in a derby duel with Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers if they decide to move for the Zambian striker, Collins Mbesuma.

The highly-rated 21-year-old, who plays with Kaiser Chiefs in South Africa, is flying to England later this week with some reports in Africa claiming he is heading to Wanderers in a £1 million deal, provided he passes a medical.

That was described by Wanderers officials on Tuesday as "just speculation" but Mbesuma, who has also been tracked by the French club, Lyon, is convinced he is heading for the Premiership and his advisers have indicated that his admiration for Jay Jay Okocha has tipped the balance in Wanderers favour.

Mbesuma, nicknamed 'The Hurricane', was the top scorer in South Africa's Premier League last season, scoring 25 goals in 30 league games.

Blackburn's interest follows claims that their attempt to sign South Africa international striker, Benni McCarthy, has hit the buffers.

However, Mbesuma's shortage of international experience could be an obstacle, having played only nine times for Zambia.