Soccer:Striker Leon Best's stay at Newcastle could be drawing to a close with Blackburn having stepped up their interest.

It is understood the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international was due to undergo a medical with the Lancashire club today.

Best, who joined the Magpies in a €1.5 million switch from Coventry in February 2010, found his chances last season limited by injury and the form of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse.

Best is eager to secure more first team football and has publicly stated his desire to return to the international scene with Ireland on a number of occasions after failing to feature in any of Ireland's qualifiers for Euro 2012.

PA