The wheels are in motion for Blackburn Rovers, who have already made three signings so far this summer.
Blackburn Rovers have signed Sondre Tronstad and Niall Ennis on free transfers, whilst also signing Arnot Sigurdsson on loan from CSKA Moscow.
And yesterday, Blackburn Rovers were linked with another new potential signing in Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Alan Nixon revealed on his Patreon account that Rovers have joined the race to sign the 32-year-old shot-stopper this summer, with Darlow also of interest to Hull City and Middlesbrough.
The news comes amid fresh reports from yesterday (The Sun on Sunday, page 61) which claimed that Belgian side Anderlecht are keen on Blackburn goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski – the Belgian international previously spent time at the club between 2012 and 2016 but would only rack up 13 league appearances during that time.
And it’s also claimed that Kaminski and his Rovers teammate Lewis Travis both have interest from Luton Town ahead of their Premier League campaign next season.
The Telegraph (via Vital Luton) says that the Hatters are looking into potential deals for both Kaminski and Travis this summer, with Millwall having already reportedly failed with a bid to sign Travis this summer.
Lastly, The Sun on Sunday yesterday (page 61) also revealed that Southampton and Blackburn Rovers are both in the race to sign Manchester City prodigy Kian Breckin this summer, but that the Saints are currently leading this particular transfer chase.
The midfielder played 24 times in the PL2 Division 1 for Manchester City’s U21 side last season, scoring eight and assisting four.
Blackburn Rovers’ summer transfer business looking to be getting well underway now, with the summer so far have been impressive for the club.
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“Would be an excellent signing” – Blackburn join Middlesbrough in race for Newcastle man: The verdict
Blackburn Rovers are reportedly keen on Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow.
Blackburn Rovers are interested in Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Rovers would like to sign Darlow on loan or in a “bargain deal”, but they face competition from Middlesbrough and Hull City.
Darlow spent the second half of last season on loan with Hull, keeping five clean sheets in 12 appearances for the Tigers and manager Liam Rosenior has revealed his desire to bring him back to the MKM Stadium, but Boro and Rovers are also in the race for his signature.
The 32-year-old is under contract at St James’ Park until 2025, but the Magpies are willing to allow him to depart, ideally for a fee of around £5 million, although they could consider less.
Rovers “expect to sell keeper Thomas Kaminski to Luton if they get closer to their £6 million valuation”, while Anderlecht are also keen on the Belgian, meaning Jon Dahl Tomasson may be in the market for goalkeeping reinforcements this summer.
Would Karl Darlow be a good signing for Blackburn Rovers?
We asked some of our FLW writers for their thoughts on Darlow’s potential move to Ewood Park.
James Reeves
Darlow would be an excellent signing for Rovers.
He is a solid and reliable goalkeeper and would be an incredibly safe pair of hands for Tomasson’s side.
Darlow would bring plenty of Championship experience to Ewood Park having won the title with Newcastle United in 2017 and that could be invaluable in helping to instill a winning mentality in the dressing room.
However, there would be question marks over whether Rovers could afford the reported fee, while it may be tough for Darlow to turn down a move to Middlesbrough who are likely to be among the promotion favourites next season.
Darlow would be an upgrade on Pears and Kaminski and if they can convince him to join, he would be an outstanding addition.
Ben Wignall
With Thomas Kaminski potentially on the way out of Rovers, there is a need to bring in competition for Aynsley Pears this summer if that exit occurs.
Pears improved at the back end of last season when given a run in the team, but you’d have to question whether he’s definitely good enough for a team with aspirations of promotion from the Championship.
Darlow meanwhile has been there and done it – he’s only played 241 matches at the age of 32 which isn’t exactly a lot but goalkeeper careers last longer than outfield players and he’s still got plenty of years left.
With his Premier League and Championship experience, Darlow would be a good signing, however not for the £5 million quoted – Rovers should either target a loan deal or a much lower fee.
