Sources within MLS have confirmed that the league and Blackburn Rovers have finalised the sale of Columbus striker Brian McBride to the Premiership club for an immediate transfer.

A reported three-year contract worth around $1.4 million annually (£750,000) is to be paid to McBride, with MLS garnering a transfer fee of under $1 million for the 31 year-old US international striker.

Although a work permit has not been granted as of this time, his past time in England and the amount of caps McBride has earned on the international level should leave the UK's Department of Employment happy.

Now Columbus Crew must do without somebody who simply can be described as the face of the young club, as McBride has been with the team since the first season.

The team are expected to announce the trade in a press conference on Wednesday.

The Crew have been busy over the last 24 hours dividing up some of the salary cap space facilitated with the transfer of McBride, bringing in veteran defender Robin Fraser and midfielder Manny Lagos in separate trades.

The Crew also are expected to be given a "major" allocation by MLS with the transfer of McBride, which has happened in high-profile sales in the past.

As for McBride's new Lancashire home, he faces many rivals for playing time under Graeme Souness.

Veterans Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke have been inconsistent this season, as has Matt Jansen. The youthful Paul Gallagher is also in the mix, but McBride fills a large hole in Blackburn's squad in the role of a tall target man.

Blackburn chief executive John Williams has confirmed progress is being made in the bid to land McBride, and also stressed that Dino Baggio's proposed move to Ancona is certainly not dead.