Blackburn Rovers ‘want’ Plymouth Argyle ace ‘of interest’ to Middlesbrough amid Callum Brittain saga

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EFL Analysis can reveal that Blackburn Rovers are interested in a Plymouth Argyle star alongside Middlesbrough, and a handful of teams in the EFL.

Both Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough failed in their pursuits of a top-six finish in the 2024/25 Championship campaign and have both endured testing post-season transfer windows.

Despite Blackburn signing Sean McLoughlin from Hull City, the summer window for Valerien Ismael has been marred by outgoings, with the likes of Tyrhys Dolan and Danny Batth exiting Blackburn.

At Boro, newly appointed boss Rob Edwards is yet to make his first signing, but that could change with his side’s pursuit of Rovers full-back Callum Brittain.

With the transfer saga over Brittain’s future rumbling on, EFL Analysis can reveal that Blackburn “want” to sign a League One talent who has been on Boro’s radar for several months.

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Blackburn Rovers ‘want’ Plymouth Argyle full-back Bali Mumba

Blackburn and Boro have been mentioned in the same headlines throughout the summer transfer window, after Middlesbrough made an offer for Brittain which did not meet Rovers’ valuation.

Recently, EFL Analysis exclusively revealed that Derby County joined Middlesbrough in pursuing Brittain, after our Chief Football correspondent, Graeme Bailey, outlined that Derby met Blackburn’s asking price for Callum Brittain with a deal worth around £3million.

With Brittain’s next footballing destination now uncertain, EFL Analysis can also reveal that Blackburn have registered interest in Plymouth Argyle defender Bali Mumba, after we revealed that Middlesbrough like Mumba, having “looked at him” in the January window.

Bailey explained: “Obviously, Callum Brittain’s the main one for Middlesbrough, but Bali Mumba is of interest. As he is for a few teams.

“Plymouth want to keep hold of him, though. So again, unless someone comes up with the money there, it won’t necessarily be easy to get him out.

“But I’ve heard he’s wanted by Blackburn as well, maybe to replace Brittain. There are a few options for Mumba.”

Whether Mumba moves to Blackburn, Boro, or another interested Championship outfit, it is clear to see why the Sunderland academy graduate is in such high demand this summer.

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Blackburn Rovers must beat Middlesbrough to sign Bali Mumba

Mumba would be an impressive signing for Blackburn, with the full-back perfectly suited to Ismael’s formation and playstyle.

Despite suffering relegation from the Championship last season, 23-year-old Mumba impressed for Plymouth, with his versatility to play on either flank being an attractive component to his game.

This ability of Mumba’s is why former Plymouth boss Miron Muslic labelled him as “brilliant”.

After Mumba shone in a 2-1 win over his former club, Norwich City, Muslic told the Pink Un: “I think Bali also did it very, very well as a game changer, against Watford.

“He’s used to playing this position. He played, I think, most of the games as a left wing back. He was brilliant.”

With Blackburn last in the top flight over a decade ago, the loss of Brittain will be a big blow for Ismael’s promotion quest, but the acquisition of in-demand Mumba would be a suitable remedy.