Blackburn Rovers are set to be busy right up to the close of the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad for the long Championship campaign.
In the last week the Lancashire club have been incredibly busy as they said farewell to John Buckley, while the long drawn-out saga of the Lewis Travis exit came to an end as he joined Derby County.
Following his exit, Buckley gave a heartfelt goodbye to Blackburn; however, upon Travis’s exit, manager Valerien Ismael had a strong view on the former captain’s departure.
Rovers acted fast to bring in a replacement for Travis, with the Blackburn faithful playing a part in securing the Moussa Baradji deal.
While there will be a focus within the club to ensure they do not break a 69-year record against Norwich City this weekend, fans will still be hoping for one or two more deals before the closure of the transfer window on September 1.
Blackburn Rovers linked to Sunderland’s Alan Browne
According to Alan Nixon’s Patreon, Blackburn are keen on making a move for the Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne.
Should Rovers acquire the Republic of Ireland international midfielder, it would be a return to Lancashire for Browne, having left Blackburn’s local rivals Preston North End last season to join Sunderland.
After a summer of heavy spending by the Black Cats, Browne has been told he can leave and search for opportunities elsewhere.
Blackburn are one of several clubs interested in the Ireland international; however, they are believed to be best placed due to Browne knowing the area, having lived in Lancashire previously.
The former Preston captain would be seen as an ideal Lewis Travis replacement due to his leadership qualities in the centre of the team.
Alan Browne playing for Sunderland
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Browne is a versatile player, as he can operate in several midfield roles while also having played as a full back on many occasions for both club and country.
Ireland are hopeful in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with Browne set to be a key member of the squad; however, he needs to be playing regularly to be included in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s plans.
Alan Browne has impressed each of his managers
The Republic of Ireland international has been a consistent performer throughout his career for both club and country.
Not only has his quality on the pitch impressed the likes of Roy Keane, Martin O’Neill and Stephen Kenny at the Republic of Ireland, but also his attitude off the pitch has been viewed as exemplary.
One of his biggest supporters is former Preston manager Ryan Lowe, who was disappointed to see him leave the club, as he told club media.
He said: “What I will say is that he’s been a fantastic servant for the football club – 400 plus (appearances). We were planning with and without him, in terms of transfers. He was a fantastic character around the place, a fantastic leader – and he did an unbelievable job for Preston North End.
“But, we have to look further now and go past it. He has decided for a new challenge, which I as the manager ultimately respect – for him and his family. We wish him all the best for wherever he goes. Hopefully there is another one who can get into that 400 club in years to come, whether it’s a new signing or a player who’s already here.
“I think those 400 clubs are important for the PNE fans, and if we can get a couple of them in over the course of however many years it takes, I am sure the PNE fans will be happy. We have to move on without him – great player, great player and great character.”