PAUL Dickov is expected to sign for Manchester City in the next few days after parting company with Blackburn Rovers.

The veteran striker, who scored seven goals in 26 appearances last season, has officially been released by Rovers following his decision to reject a new two-year contract.

That means the Scotland international is now free to join another club, with City, his former employers, the red-hot favourites to pip Sheffield United and Everton in the race for his signature.

Signed by Graeme Souness for a bargain £150,000 fee from Leicester City two years ago, Dickov was a popular figure during his time at Ewood, earning the respect of team-mates and fans alike through his work-rate and commitment.

In his first season, the 33-year-old played a pivotal role in keeping Rovers in the Premiership, scoring 10 goals in 35 appearances - often playing as a lone striker - to finish the campaign as the club's top scorer.

But despite that success, manager Mark Hughes was still concerned by the team's general lack of firepower, so he moved to strengthen his strikeforce with the signings of Craig Bellamy and Shefki Kuqi last summer.

As a result, Dickov made fewer starts last term as Hughes chose to rotate his strikers depending on the opposition, a situation which frustrated the Scot, particularly during the run-in.

He was also thought to be disappointed with the terms offered by the club; Rovers were willing to give Dickov a two-year deal, but the second year was dependent on certain conditions being met in terms of appearances and performances.

Confirming Dickov's departure, Rovers' chairman, John Williams, said: "Paul has been released by the club after he decided not to accept our offer of a new contract.

"I don't think there was any problem with the terms we offered him, it was more of a football decision.

"We'd like to thank Paul for his efforts over the last two years, and we wish him all the best for the future."

In total, Dickov scored 17 goals in 61 appearances for Rovers, a respectable ratio for a player who has never been regarded as an out-and-out goalscorer.

In the meantime, Dickov's departure means Mark Hughes could now be on the look-out for two new strikers this summer.

The Rovers chief was already planning to add at least one new face to his strikeforce in preparation for an assault on Europe, and now he may look to add another to fill the void created by Dickov's departure.