Roberts joins Jeffers at Blackburn

English Premiership side Blackburn Rovers FC have signed Jason Roberts and Francis Jeffers as they build a new-look strike force for next season.

Double swoop
Roberts arrives for an undisclosed fee from Blackburn's Lancashire neighbours Wigan Athletic FC, having agreed a four-year contract. Former English international Jeffers, meanwhile, joins on a free transfer following his release by Charlton Athletic FC. Roberts, a 28-year-old who plays for Grenada, scored 37 goals in 93 games for Wigan as they gained promotion to the Premiership in 2004/05 and then consolidated that position last season, their first among the élite. He was previously with West Bromwich Albion FC.

Kick-start needed
Jeffers's career has largely stalled since he moved to Arsenal FC in a €13m switch from boyhood club Everton FC in summer 2001. He was sold to Charlton for €3.9m three years later, before going on loan to Scottish outfit Rangers FC during the first half of last term. At Blackburn, he has secured a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Rovers needed to boost their attack after seeing Paul Dickov and Craig Bellamy leave this summer.