Three options Blackburn Rovers should explore following the departure of Danny Batth to Derby County

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Blackburn Rovers have been left light in the centre of defence with a need to bring in some reinforcements this summer following the departure of Danny Batth to Derby County.

Batth has joined up with former Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace at Pride Park.

He is not the only centre-back to leave the club, as Dion Sanderson returned to Birmingham City after his loan came to an end with Blackburn Rovers this summer.

This has left the Lancashire club with only three senior options in that position, with Scott Wharton returning from a long-term injury to compete with Hayden Carter and Dominic Hyam for a starting position.

Steve Kapuadi has been linked with a move to Ewood Park this summer; however, it seems like it will not be completed as the DR Congo international has been offered a new contract at Legia Warsaw.

EFL Analysis brings you three centre defender options Blackburn Rovers could bring in this summer.

• READ MORE: Blackburn Rovers anniversary celebrations could be ruined by former manager John Eustace

Craig Dawson

The former Wolves centre-back is now out of contract with the Premiership club, and he may be looking for one final club to see out his career.

Craig Dawson was starting a lot of matches at the start of last season; however, he fell out with Vítor Pereira shortly after his appointment in December, seeing his playing time massively reduced.

Dawson will bring a lot of experience to whoever he joins this summer at the age of 35.

Blackburn may believe he is a good option due to him being a free agent, bringing a goal threat from set pieces and still being a solid operator at the heart of defence.

Mason Holgate

Mason Holgate’s contract with Everton has expired after he spent the last 10 years contracted to the club.

He did have four loan spells in that period with different sides across the Championship and Premier League, while also being an important player for Everton at times.

Holgate was most recently on loan at West Brom last season, and he would bring a lot of experience and would be a versatile option for Blackburn should he join the club.

At just 28 years old, he could be a long-term option for Rovers, and having lived in Merseyside for the last 10 years of his career, a move just up the road to Lancashire may be preferable to the defender.

Kellian van der Kaap

Blackburn Rovers have been exploring cheaper markets this summer, as they have been linked to players currently playing their football in lesser-explored countries, with Belgium and Portugal having seen their clubs raided by Valérien Ismaël so far.

Following this trend, Rovers may explore a country where their clubs are currently struggling to deal with the finances of modern football and so may be willing to accept smaller transfer fees.

This could see Blackburn target Kellian van der Kaap, a Dutch centre-back currently playing his football with Levski Sofia, a traditional giant of Bulgarian football.

He has impressed during his time in the Eastern European country, featuring 93 times since signing for the club in January 2022.