Former England captain Ince, 40, enjoyed a fine season in charge of MK Dons last season, leading them to the Coca-Cola League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and has been heavily linked with a move to Ewood Park in recent days.

Ince, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan, previously coached Macclesfield, who he saved from relegation from the Football League in 2006-07 but this will be his first management job in the top flight.

Ince's appointment makes him the first black Briton to take charge of a top-flight club in England.

Despite taking a slightly unconventional route into coaching - most players of Ince's pedigree and stature are usually offered a more glamorous job when their playing days are over - he has been a consistently impressive performer in the lower leagues and has attracted plenty of envious glances.

He earned his first manager of the month accolade while with the Silkmen, who were adrift at the bottom of League Two when he arrived only to survive the drop on the last day of the season, before taking the title on three occasions during his stint at stadium:mk.

Derby chairman Adam Pearson appeared to covet the former midfielder's services when Billy Davies left the club last term, while Wigan were also thought to be interested before appointing Steve Bruce.

He was also firmly in the frame for the Leicester job following Ian Holloway's departure but last week moved to distance himself from that job, perhaps mindful of Rovers' interest.