BLACKBURN yesterday clinched the signing of Greek winger Georgios Donis from Panathinaikos.

The 26-year-old Greek international, who was thought to be a target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Rangers after helping the Athens club reach the European Cup semi-finals, agreed terms after visiting Ewood Park yesterday.

Donis, who has 27 caps, is believed to have clinched a £20,000-a-week deal after becoming available on a free transfer following the Bosman ruling.

He is expected to take Stuart Ripley's berth in Ray Harford's team, but Blackburn's attempt to land French international Christophe Dugarry seems to have cooled. The Bordeaux striker has made it known he would prefer to stay on the Continent.

But Blackburn assistant manager Tony Parkes shrugged off the Dugarry snub.