BLACKBURN Rovers are leading the chase for Congolese striker Tresor Mputu and the player described as ‘Africa’s best’ is expected at Ewood next week.

Mputu’s agent told the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday that Rovers are just one of a string of Premier League clubs chasing the youngster – but admitted a switch to Ewood was a strong option.

Top scorer in last season’s African Champions League for Congo outfit TP Mazembe, the 22-year-old would command a fee of around £4million having already attracted the interest of Arsenal.

A “generous offer” from a top Belgian club is already on the table for the striker but his agent, Severin Bohoui, admits the player has his heart set on the Premier League.

Bohoui revealed one English club were in advanced negotiations about a potential January switch and, while refusing to specifically name the club, added he expected Mputu to travel to Lancashire.

He said: “He is the best player right now in Africa and, at 22, has a really good future. He dreams of playing in the Premier League.

“The president of his club has said he can leave to further his career and he will be in England at the start of next week. We have had contact from Blackburn.

“We are up to advanced negotiations with a club in England but, there are a few interested in him, so I don’t want to say too much.

“I expect him to talk to Blackburn though and we will see where that goes.”