BLACKBURN Rovers boss Mark Hughes is close to signing Porto striker Benni McCarthy following a year-long chase.

Rovers have had a bid accepted for the South African international and McCarthy was last night given the green light to fly in to England for talks as he edges closer to his dream of a move to the Premiership.

The 28-year-old, who shares the same agent as Rovers defender Aaron Mokoena, must pass a stringent medical and agree personal terms before his switch to Ewood becomes a reality.

But, assuming there's no last minute hitches, the former Celta Vigo star should become a Blackburn player in the next 24 hours, bringing weeks of uncertainty to a close for Hughes in the wake of Craig Bellamy's shock departure to Liverpool.

McCarthy has been a target for the Rovers boss for more than 12 months, the Welshman having tried to sign him last summer when he had £4 million offer rejected.

Now, Hughes looks set to get his man for nearer half that amount, Porto having accepted a bid in the region of three million euros for the speedy frontman.

For McCarthy, a move to Blackburn represents the fulfilment of a dream because he's had his heart set on a move to the Premiership for some time.

Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Everton have all been linked with moves for McCarthy in the past, but now Rovers are ready to make his switch to England a reality.

Before leaving Portugal, McCarthy told the press: "I am very happy.

"This is a chance for my dreams of playing in England to materialise.

"On the other hand, I feel some sadness about leaving my friends and the memories I have here."

McCarthy will become Hughes' third striker signing of the summer, following hot on the heels of Jason Roberts and Franny Jeffers, who have joined the club from Wigan and Charlton respectively.

Rovers will have to secure a work permit for McCarthy but that shouldn't prove an obstacle in the deal as the player is a proven performer at both domestic and international level.