Blackburn Rovers are no strangers to interest in their big assets but eyebrows were raised by new rumours over the weekend.
Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears has been a regular starter at Ewood Park for a while now and has developed into a steady option in between the sticks.
However, reports claimed over the weekend that he is on the radar of Manchester United as a potential homegrown goalkeeper addition for the summer, and many were left surprised by the rumoured interest.
Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears
Image courtesy of: CARL RECINE/REUTERS.
Blackburn Rovers signed Balasz Toth last summer and it could be that he’d get a chance as the number one if Pears was to go. However, Rovers regularly have two ‘keepers battling for the starting berth, so another would be required.
With that in mind, we put forward three goalkeepers Rovers should have on their radar ahead of a potential summer exit for Pears…
Carl Rushworth – Brighton & Hove Albion
Rushworth has emerged as a great goalkeeping talent in recent seasons but his most recent Championship loan with Hull City did not have much fruit to bear.
Nevertheless, he was a hit with Swansea City after strong stints with Lincoln City and Walsall and would be a solid signing for Blackburn Rovers, be it on a temporary or permanent basis.
It feels as though Rushworth may have to move elsewhere to be a number one and he may do so on a permanent basis this summer. If so, the relationship built up by previous Brighton loan deals could aid Rovers.
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Carl Rushworth on loan at Hull City - HCAFC
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Berke Ozer – Eyupspor
If Rovers want to cast their net a bit wider, they could look overseas to the situation of Berke Ozer at Turkish Super Lig side Eyupspor.
The 24-year-old’s stock has grown this season thanks to his solid performances in a strong defensive setup, keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding 26 goals in 26 games.
His contract expires this summer and although there is a 12-month extension option that will likely be triggered, Ozer could be a solid long-term signing for Blackburn Rovers without breaking the bank.
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Viteslav Jaros – Liverpool
Jaros is another talented goalkeeper who has had to find game time out on loan, most recently making a name for himself in Austria with Sturm Graz. He had only played in the lower levels of the EFL and in Ireland before but was key in a double-winning season in Austria.
As a player from Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers could put yet another strong loan link to use by signing the 23-year-old on either a permanent or temporary basis.
He could be a long-term number one for Rovers and someone with real resale value if signed permanently.