Blackburn Rovers face a difficult battle in retaining several key players this summer, as Premier League and Championship rivals are expected to come calling.
According to the Daily Express, newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town is leading the battle for Blackburn centre-forward Sam Gallagher, having expressed interest in the 28-year-old back in January. In fact, journalist Nick Mashiter claimed that the Suffolk-based club made two bids for the former Southampton frontman, the second valued up to £1.5 million, which is somewhat less than his market value of £1.7 million, according to Transfermarkt. Both Ipswich proposals were rejected by the Lancashire club.
The Tractor Boys eventually signed Kieffer Moore on loan from AFC Wimbledon and Ali Al-Hamadi on a permanent basis, thus the deal with Ipswich fell through. However, Kieran McKenna’s men were not the only ones interested in Gallagher’s abilities. During the winter transfer window, the Northern Echo reported that Sunderland were also keeping an eye on the striker, as then-head coach Michael Beale was looking to reinforce his inexperienced forward line. Nonetheless, Gallagher remained with Blackburn Rovers, and the club exercised a one-year extension clause in his contract to retain him at Ewood Park for at least another year, requiring any suitors to pay a transfer price this summer.
Despite being promoted to the Premier League, Ipswich manager McKenna is reportedly determined to re-sign Gallagher after Moore’s loan deal at Portman Road expired. Swansea City, according to the Express, is vying for Gallagher’s signature with the Tractor Boys.
Ipswich’s unwavering interest in Gallagher is intriguing. In 24 league appearances for Blackburn Rovers this season, the number ‘9’ only scored three goals and assisted three times. However, McKenna’s recruitment has been remarkable thus far, implying that he must see something in the player that he loves, which explains why the East Anglian club has been so eager about signing the ex-Birmingham City star.
Having apparently rejected a proposal of £1.5 million
Gallagher, Ipswich, or Swansea may have to give at least £2 million to Blackburn to contemplate letting him move. This is definitely an offer worth keeping an eye on this summer.
Leave a Reply