Andrews poised for Blackburn move

MK Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed the League One club have agreed a fee with Blackburn for midfielder Keith Andrews.

Andrews has been left out of Di Matteo's last three squads as speculation intensified about his future and is now set to tie up a move to the Premier League.

He will be reunited with former Dons boss Paul Ince and could make his debut in the top flight in Saturday's trip to West Ham.

Former Chelsea midfielder Di Matteo said: "What I know is that negotiations are ongoing and that is about it. We have agreed a fee but nothing has been signed yet.

"He is going to be a big loss for this club, he has been fantastic here at MK and it is a bit of a shame. But it is the player's wish and dream and we wish him good luck.

"He has done well, but not only him I think the whole team did extraordinarily well last season. Football is a team sport, not an individual sport and I guess we'll survive without Andrews."

Di Matteo's first foray into management has seen him get off to an excellent start despite the saga but the Italian admits the length of time taken to conclude the deal has been far from ideal.

He said: "It is going to take time to see how much he'll be missed here and obviously you know the transfer window closes in a few days, so there is not much time left.

"But I guess the chairman will be happy he has got a richer bank account and we will see what we can do.

"I would have been happier if it hadn't dragged on for so long, it hasn't been an ideal situation I have to say, but we just get on with life. It hasn't been an easy start but we are still alive."