Blackburn Rovers are planning a January transfer swoop for Andy Johnson, according to the Daily Mail.

Johnson is currently engaged in a tug-of-war with Fulham over an extension to his current contract, which expires at the end of the season. Fulham are refusing to improve on an initial offer, which Johnson has rejected because it would mean a cut in his £40,000-a-week wages.

The 30 year-old reiterated in an interview with the Sunday Mirror that, although he has great affection for Fulham and their fans, he would need to consider his family’s well-being as he approaches the last contract of his career. The possibility of Johnson becoming a free agent in the summer could encourage Fulham to listen to offers for the former England international, who has scored 11 goals in 19 appearances for the Whites this season, despite Martin Jol’s insistence that he wants to keep him at Craven Cottage.

Steve Kean is known to be eager to supplement his striking resources as he looks to guide Blackburn away from the relegation zone. The under-pressure manager is sure to face competition from both Premier League rivals and Championship clubs. QPR, who felt the full force of Johnson’s finishing ability during their 6-0 defeat by Fulham last month, are been linked with a move for the ex-Everton striker and Leicester reportedly had a bid rejected on the final day of the summer transfer window.

The Mail suggests that Johnson would be available for around £2m in January.