Hughes lines up free-agent Djorkaeff as first signing

Youri Djorkaeff is expected to become a Blackburn player today once the formalities of his short-term deal are finalised.

Youri Djorkaeff is expected to become a Blackburn player today once the formalities of his short-term deal are finalised.

The 36-year-old France international is a free agent after his contract with Bolton expired in the summer and is on the verge of agreeing a deal with their Lancashire neighbours which would run until January.

His agent, Willie McKay, said. "There have been a few clubs phoning me who are interested but he's decided to go to Blackburn. He spoke to Mark Hughes, listened to what Mark Hughes's ideas were and how Mark Hughes wanted to play and decided he wants to come to Blackburn."

Djorkaeff had held talks with Fulham last week but they failed to reach a positive conclusion. He is set to become Mark Hughes' first signing at Ewood Park.

The midfielder is approaching the end of a successful career, which reached its zenith with World Cup success in 1998, but believes he could still do a decent job for a Premiership club in the short term.

He was also part of France's victorious Euro 2000 squad and played for Internazionale and Kaiserslautern before joining Bolton in February 2002.

The Everton manager, David Moyes, may have nearly £30m to spend in the January transfer window, according to the club chairman, Bill Kenwright. The latter is nearing the conclusion of a deal with the Fortress Sports Fund, headed by the financier Christopher Samuelson.

"Hopefully the money, possibly £28m, £29m, will be available in January," Kenwright said. "Samuelson will join the board and the investment group will be part of the shareholding. I'll remain as chairman."