Blackburn Rovers should explore return of £4m former star who departed the club nine years ago

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Blackburn Rovers are still working hard in the transfer market this summer, as they expect several players to leave the club, meaning they must reinforce the squad.

Lewis Travis has been linked with a move away, with Derby County favourites to sign the club captain, particularly after Valerien Ismael’s comments regarding Todd Cantwell and the captaincy of Rovers.

Valerien Ismael has also recently admitted that the club needs to be creative when it comes to the transfer market; however, fans just want to see quality added to the squad but also the cessation of players leaving Ewood Park for free.

Blackburn Rovers lost several players for free this summer, including Tyrhys Dolan, who departed for Espanyol, while they lost quality in Callum Brittain as he joined Middlesbrough.

Rovers may be forced to sell Dominic Hyam this summer if they don’t want him to be the latest player to depart the club for free upon the expiration of his contract, and so this will mean Blackburn will need to recruit further in defence.

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Blackburn should make an approach for Shane Duffy

As speculation continues to grow around the future of Dom Hyam at Blackburn Rovers, as contract talks stalled with the club, as per information from the Lancashire Telegraph, the club will need to bring in quality at the back.

It has been understood that Liam Manning and Norwich City would like to see Shane Duffy depart the club this summer, which could include a loan move.

This is where Blackburn should explore that option, due to the obvious quality and leadership Duffy would bring to Ismael’s side, having spent much of his post-Rovers career in the Premier League.

Duffy is arguably better than the options Rovers currently have in defence and would be available on loan, with it assumed Norwich would be willing to cover part of his wages to ensure he gets a deal away from the club this summer.

While fans would love to see a deal be sorted for Hyam, this is a good alternative for the club, as Duffy could help bring that important leadership quality Rovers seem to lack, and it could get worse if Travis departs for Derby.

This option would be beneficial for all parties, with Duffy looking to secure game time to help his chances of playing for Ireland at a World Cup at the end of the campaign.

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What Duffy would bring to Blackburn

Duffy had a solid spell with Blackburn Rovers in the two seasons he spent with the club, with the second being the most successful.

He featured in 69 games for Blackburn during that spell as a young central defender; however, he has matured since then and can bring this to Ewood Park should he return after nine years away, following his £4 million move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Last season Shane Duffy appeared to be back to his best with Norwich City; however, new manager Liam Manning does not appear to have him in his plans moving forward.

Duffy showed he can be a danger in attack as well as being a rock at the back, as witnessed in his stats across last season’s Championship.

Blackburn need to add quality to their squad, and one who is easy to register, meaning signing Duffy should be a no-brainer for Ismael and the club.