The fee will increase to £4.5m depending on appearances but the striker has yet to agree personal terms for the move.

Ward, who joined Barnsley from Derby for £1.3m last season, has scored 15 goals this season but is currently serving a four-match ban.

He had also been linked with Leeds, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday and made no secret of his desire to return to the Premiership.

Ashley Ward (in red): A powerful centre-forward

Chairman John Dennis told the club's official website: "We have no desire to see Ashley Ward leave the club but he's made his situation very clear.

"We've agreed terms with Blackburn and Wardy's having talks with them. We'll have to wait and see what happens. "

He added: "We haven't quite made £5m but we've got a very good fee for him. The £5m was a benchmark set by the media. We've had offers of £2m, £3m and in excess of £4m but a player's price is what somebody's prepared to pay."

Brian Kidd 'Things are still at a preliminary stage'

Barnsley rejected an earlier £4m bid from Rovers, but an improved offer persuaded them to cash in their top asset.

If the deal goes through, Ward will be Blackburn manager Brian Kidd's second major signing following the arrival of winger Keith Gillespie from Newcastle.