New Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Ince has made a bid for Fulham midfielder Steven Davis, in an attempt to snatch the Northern Ireland International from under the noses of SPL side Rangers, and bring him to Ewood Park, according to reports.

23-year-old Davis joined Fulham from Premier League rivals Aston Villa in 2007, but spent the second half of last season on loan at the Gers, with Rangers boss Walter Smith wanting to make the move permanent this summer.

Reports suggest that Blackburn manager Ince has made a £3million offer for Davis, but Smith is still hopeful of bringing Davis to Ibrox, after the player impressed in the SPL last season.

Smith said: "Talks with Fulham about Steven are ongoing.

"That is something we have been doing and will continue to do over the next few days.

"We're always looking around and there are one or two positions where I would hope to strengthen.

"The squad has improved with the players we have brought in so far and hopefully that stands us in good stead.

"With regards to our strikers, it is obvious to suggest people might move on when you sign a few first, but we want good competition in the team.

"We could afford to lose a few players but if we do that, our overall squad won't be affected too greatly".

Blackburn are not the only Premiership club interested in Davis however, with Middlesbrough, Bolton and Sunderland all keeping an eye on the situation, and could yet join the race for Davis.