Ashley Ward: "Theres lots of talented strikers here" (BBC Radio 5 Live)

The 28-year-old has agreed personal terms and the fee could increase to £4.5m depending on appearances.

Ward, who joined Barnsley from Derby for £1.3m following earlier spells with Leicester and Norwich, has scored 15 goals this season.

He will increase competition for places in attack at Ewood Park, with Chris Sutton, Nathan Blake, Kevin Davies and Kevin Gallacher already on Blackburn's books.

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

Ward could make his debut in this weekend's FA Cup third round tie against Charlton with Sutton out of action for six weeks after damaging a knee.

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

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

"I would have liked to have hung on to him a bit longer but it just wasn't possible," said manager John Hendrie.

Ward recently completed a four-match ban but was left out of Barnsley's team for the home game with Queen's Park Rangers on Monday to allow him to focus on the transfer negotiations.

He is Blackburn manager Brian Kidd's second major signing following the arrival of winger Keith Gillespie from Newcastle.