Key Blackburn Rovers duo join the squad for pre-season training
DUO BACK IN ACTION
Dom Hyam and Thomas Kaminski joined in with pre-season training after their respective international outings.
The pair were given extra days’ rest, with the squad having reported back to Brockhall on Tuesday, June 20.
That was with the exception of Hyam and Kaminski who were away with Scotland and Belgium respectively
Central defender Hyam made his Scotland debut when coming off the bench in the win in Norway, but was an unused substitute against Georgia.
Kaminski didn’t make the 23-man squad for Belgium’s draw with Austria, but did so for the win against Estonia as he waits for his first international involvement.
New signings Sondre Tronstad and Arnor Sigurdsson are now the two players yet to join up with the squad who are building up to the first friendly which will come against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, July 8.
STOCKPORT SALES
Tickets are on sale for Rovers’ penultimate pre-season friendly at Stockport County.
The game is scheduled to take place at Edgeley Park on Friday, July 28 (7.30pm).
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (over-65, students and under-18s).
Rovers are encouraging supporters to purchase tickets online, in advance, though a pay on the day option will also be available.
Away travel is also available, with more details available on the club website.
JP CONTRACT INCOMING
Brighton & Hove Albion are set to agree a long-term contract extension with Jan Paul van Hecke.
Rovers’ 2021/22 player of the season managed 13 appearances across the 2022/23 season as he made the breakthrough for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Van Hecke is currently away with the Dutch Under-21s side at the European Championships, but is set to sign a new long-term contract upon his return.
His current contract, signed when joining from NAC Breda in 2020, expires this summer, though the Seagulls did have the option to extend for a further 12 months.
However, their intention is to get van Hecke to agree to a longer-term deal as rewards for the 23-year-old’s progress.
DYKES DEAL
Queen’s Park Rangers have announced that striker Lyndon Dykes has extended his contract with the club.
Rovers were credited with a move for the Scotland international striker, though any potential deal always looked unrealistic.
The 27-year-old has now pledged his future to the Loftus Road club, after interest from Millwall, signing a new deal through to 2026.
Dykes 29 goals in 120 appearances since joining Rangers from Livingston in August 2020.
SIMMS SUITORS
Three Championship clubs are said to be eyeing a move for Everton striker Ellis Simms.
Simms spent the first half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Sunderland, scoring seven times in 17 appearances, which included the Boxing Day winner over Rovers.
He was recalled to Goodison Park, playing 11 times as Sean Dyche’s side successful avoided the drop.
A host of Championship clubs have been linked to Simms, with his future uncertain this summer, though any potential move from Rovers has been played down.
Coventry City, Swansea City and Ipswich Town are now the three sides said to be eyeing a move for Simms, who could be used as part of a transfer deal, according to the Daily Mail.
MARKET MOVERS
Rovers are one of seven Championship clubs to have signed at least one player from overseas this summer.
More are expected following the relaxing of work permit rules for Championship clubs, with up to four players who otherwise wouldn’t be eligible to be granted clearance.
Rovers moved quickly to land Icelandic international Arnor Sigurdsson, having already added midfielder Sondre Tronstad to the ranks on a free transfer.
Birmingham City, Ipswich Town, Norwich City, Plymouth Argyle, Sunderland and Watford have also signed players from overseas in summer transfer window, with more set to follow suit.
