Sam Allardyce to be interviewed for Blackburn job today

Sam Allardyce is flying in for an interview with Blackburn today - as the hunt for a new manager moves into overdrive.

The former Bolton and Newcastle boss (above) will meet Rovers officials as ex-Ewood Park favourite Alan Shearer last night revealed he had been offered the job and turned it dowm. Allardyce's hopes have soared after Shearer ruled out a return because he wants to stick with the BBC.

He said: "The situation is that I was very flattered to have got a call from (Rovers chairman) John Williams.

"He asked if I would like to be included on a short-list. I thanked him - but declined. I have other commitments."

Now Blackburn will switch their search with Allardyce, ex-Chelsea No. 2 Henk Ten Cate, MK Dons boss Paul Ince in contention.

Allardyce is a free agent and admired for the way he ran Bolton on a tight budget.