Vukcevic joins Blackburn

The Blackburn manager, Steve Kean, has completed a deal to sign the Montenegro winger Simon Vukcevic from Sporting Lisbon.

The 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract, and, though he has yet to collect a visa and work permit, could be available for Saturday’s Premier League match against Everton at Ewood Park.

Vukcevic joins Rovers for a bargain fee

It is understood Rovers have paid Sporting £2million for Vukcevic, who is his country’s most-capped player.

Vukcevic joins having spent four years at Sporting Lisbon after signing for the Portuguese club from Saturn Moscow Oblast for 4m euros (£3.5m) in 2007.

The attacking midfielder is a regular member of the Montenegro side and featured in October’s 0-0 Euro 2012 qualifying draw against England.

He becomes Blackburn’s fourth summer purchase, the most high-profile of which is David Goodwillie, who cost a reported £2.8m from Dundee United.

And Kean also revealed he is close to signing centre-back George John from Major League Soccer side FC Dallas.

George John has flown to Greece to move his dream Premier League switch a step forward after Blackburn Rovers had a bid in principle accepted by American side FC Dallas.

The Greek-American centre back has been targeted by Rovers boss Steve Kean as a potential solution to his squad’s current defensive frailties, with the player ready to fly to England should the deal progress in the next 24 hours.

John, 24, has yet to start serious negotiations with Rovers but yesterday flew to Greece to pick up his EU passport in readiness for should an agreement be struck.

John has Greek nationality and the player is in Greece to procure the papers required to complete his move. Once he gets the green signal from Ewood Park, he will be on his way to England where he will sign the agreement.

John was selected in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Toros. Since then the player has posted 68 matches in the last two seasons making him a permanent figure in the starting line-up. The player started the 2010 MLS Cup final in November, which the Hoops eventually lost to Colorado Rapids.

Blackburn have yet to gain a Premier League point so far this season following defeats in their first two games, including last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Aston Villa.

Tags: Blackburn Rovers, FC Dallas, George John, Greece, MLS, Montenegro, Portugal, Simon Vukcevic, Sporting Lisbon, Steve KEan