Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says it is true that Blackburn Rovers were interested in hiring him

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that he turned down the chance to speak to one of Sheffield United’s Championship rivals.

The former West Ham and West Brom boss has been out of football since leaving Saudi outfit Al Fateh in August 2024, but claims he is keen to return to the English game at some point in the near future.

Bilic was mentioned by the Lancashire Telegraph as one of the frontrunners to take the reins at Blackburn Rovers after the club parted ways with Valerin Ismael.

At the time, Rovers were in the relegation places, and only two places above basement side Sheffield Wednesday, who have been marooned at the bottom of the table after being deducted 18 points.

The Ewood Park outfit were reported to be keen to speak to the Croatian due to his vast experience in management, but those claims never progressed.

Bilic discusses his decision to snub Blackburn Rovers talks

Bilic told Sky Sports News that it ‘was true’ that Blackburn were interested in talking to him amid their ongoing relegation battle.

He explained: "I decided at this stage of the season, it wasn't the right moment to go. That was my decision based on that.

"I was interested, it's always nice to be linked with club's from England. If the club is right and the moment is right, why not (come back).

"It's a great job and it was always my area, it is my second tongue. We will see what happens."

Rovers have since named Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill as their new manager until the end of the season, with the new boss maintaining his international role as they prepare for World Cup qualifying play-offs next month. He’s previously worked at this level with Stoke City between November 2019 and August 2022, taking charge of 143 matches in total. He had an overall win rate of 38.46% during his time at the Bet365 Stadium.

He guided Rovers to a 3-1 victory away at QPR in his first game in charge. His side, who are now three points clear of the drop zone, take on Sheffield United on Wednesday April 22 at Bramall Lane, in a match which could prove vital in the play-off race.