Newcastle United and Aston Villa are among the clubs we believe will be interested in Blackburn Rovers’ players.
No Blackburn player would have wanted to play in the Championship next year, but in a funny way; they have earned it.
Players will not want to stick around if they can help it, not if an offer to return to England’s top league presents itself.
We know Junior Hoilett, soon to be a free agent, will be leaving Ewood Park, but who will be joining him? Here’s our top five
Yakubu
Nigerian Yakubu was one of the surprises of the season, but Blackburn will not want to lose him. He spent the tail end of 2010-11 in the Championship on loan with Leicester City and scored regularly, earning himself a move to Rovers. Anybody who thought his time of performing in the Premier League was over got a shock to their system, he bagged 18 goals for Rovers this year, including four in one game at home to Swansea. He will interest several clubs, especially those who struggled for goals, and he would be a good signing for a side like Aston Villa.
Martin Olsson
Both Chelsea and Newcastle United were yesterday linked with Blackburn defender Martin Olsson. Whether he pitches up at either is anybody’s guess, but the fact he is supposedly interesting clubs of that calibre will put others on notice. A Swedish international and only 23, he will strengthen any Premier League side he joins, and he will surely be keen to move on for the sake of his career.
Paul Robinson
Watching the Premier League at the weekend, it doesn’t seem right that Marton Fulop is a goalkeeper in the top division and Paul Robinson is not. Fortunately for the former England international, he will find himself at the centre of a transfer chase this summer. Even if he joins a top club and has to fight his way in as a number two, he will welcome the challenge, and Newcastle may decide to look at him as insurance in case Tim Krul leaves.
Grant Hanley
Grant Hanley made his debut for Rovers two years ago, but this has really been his breakthrough season. Still only 20, the Scottish defender is a good prospect for the future, and earlier this season Manchester United were even linked. Time in the Championship learning the tough ropes of the game will probably be good for his career, and he may get a lot more regular football than if he was snapped up, but he may find an offer hard to refuse.
Steven N’Zonzi
Combative midfielder N’Zonzi has repeatedly been linked with a move to Arsenal, and the London club will have an eye on him. The Gunners do have a congested midfield at present, and may not be the right club for him, but others may choose to take a chance. He would be a solid addition to any side, from a Wigan to an Everton, while Newcastle may decide he is the man to rotate with Cheik Tiote. It will be an interesting summer for him, but we can’t see him in a Rovers shirt when the season kicks off.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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