Blackburn Rovers' new signing Scott Dann is eager to get started at his new club and has admitted that staying with Birmingham City "wasn't an option".

The 24-year-old defender had been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer, with Arsenal and Liverpool being touted as possible destinations.

Despite constant interest, the Liverpool-born centre-back opted for a £6m move to Ewood Park.

"While I've been at Birmingham there has been a lot of speculation that I would be leaving and to get it finally wrapped up is a relief," Dann told reporters.

"I heard of Blackburn's interest a couple of days ago and it has all happened quickly and I was delighted to get it all sorted last night.

"From a personal point of view I would have liked it to have been done sooner so I could have got straight in with my new teammates but it hasn't worked out that way. It wasn't an option for me to stay in the Championship, I needed a new challenge."

Dann could make his debut for Blackburn away to Fulham in the Premier League next Sunday (September 11).