Striker Benni McCarthy says he would consider leaving Blackburn for the chance to join a Champions League club.

The 29-year-old won the trophy in 2004 with Porto, who were managed by Jose Mourinho, and has hinted at a reunion with his former boss at Chelsea.

McCarthy told The Sun: "If a club like Chelsea comes looking for you, you must seriously consider the opportunity.

"A chance to go to Chelsea - or any other Champions League team in England or Spain - would be hard to turn down."

McCarthy joined Blackburn on a four-year contract from Porto last summer for £2.5m but with Rovers 10th in the Premiership there is no prospect of playing European football.

And the South African feels he has already repaid Blackburn for bringing him to the Premiership by scoring 23 goals this season.

" Blackburn gave me my chance and, even though it was not a big transfer fee, I trust that I have already paid them back with my commitment and goals," McCarthy said.

"But I miss Champions League football, it means everything for any player with ambitions.

"If I end up being sold by Blackburn and they make a good profit, fantastic."

Before moving to Ewood Park last summer, McCarthy had been linked with moves to Everton, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and West Ham.

But the striker again hinted where his ambitions lie: "It would be a big challenge to win a regular start in a club like Chelsea.

"Mourinho has coached me. We won things together and he really knows me inside out.

"If he ever were to sign me again, it would be because he knows exactly what he's getting and that I've managed to settle down in England quite quickly."