Blackburn are considering an audacious move for Real Madrid midfielder and former England captain David Beckham.

The former Manchester United midfielder has only been on the fringes of Real's side this season although he played a starring role in their 5-1 thrashing of minnows Ecija in the Copa del Rey on Thursday night.

And with Beckham appearing likely to move away from the Spanish capital next summer, Blackburn boss Mark Hughes admits he would be interested in trying to take the 31-year-old to Ewood Park.

Both men know each other well from their playing days at Manchester United and although Hughes could offer Beckham a route back to the Premiership, he admits there will be stiff opposition.

Hughes told The Suntoday: "I think everybody would be interested in David Beckham.

"I am sure if he came on the open market there would be a few people in the queue for him. He is an exceptional talent and has been for a long time."

Hughes has a reputation of luring big names to Rovers and would have no fears about trying to attract Beckham to one of the Premiership's less fashionable clubs.

He added: "There were a few in for Craig Bellamy and we got him."

On Saturday, Blackburn entertain Manchester United and Hughes is bracing himself for a side fired up by Sir Alex Ferguson's famous 'hairdryer' treatment.

Tuesday's shock Carling Cup defeat to lowly Southend is sure to spark a reaction against Blackburn who are going into the game on the back of three successive Premiership defeats.

He said "Taking Tuesday out of the equation, they're playing exceptionally well at the moment.

"They're as good as I've seen for a couple of seasons now. Some of the football they're playing is of the highest order.

"But after what happened against Southend, I know he (Ferguson) will now be looking for a reaction. We're next up, and a hard game becomes harder."

Hughes has yet to lose in three league games against United since taking charge of Blackburn just over two years ago, and even completed the 'double' last season.