He spent the second half of last season on loan at Hearts, playing 17 times.

Rovers football director Gregg Broughton said: "James has all the attributes we look for - a strong one-v-one defender, aerially dominant and comfortable in possession.

"We have worked hard to secure James' services ahead of many other Championship clubs and as a Lancastrian, we know he will find the transition to Blackburn Rovers straightforward."

Bournemouth paid £1.6m for Hill to sign him from Fleetwood in January 2022.