Blackburn Rovers Line-Up Move For 24-Year-Old

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly interested in landing former Accrington Stanley defender Ross Sykes before the window closes, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The 24-year-old is currently applying his trade in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise but could be in line for a return to English football, with the Championship side now aware of the player’s price tag.

Who is Ross Sykes?

The English defender began his career with Accrington Stanley, rising through the club’s youth ranks and into the first-team, aside from a brief loan spell with Non-League side Southport. However, last summer he completed a six-figure switch to Belgium, in what was the first permanent transfer of his career.

A good start

Blackburn Rovers began the season with a 2-1 win against West Bromwich Albion before a Sammie Szmodics double rescued a point against ten-man Rotherham United.

However, the club were beaten by Hull City on Saturday, despite Sam Gallagher’s opener and are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Watford.

Would this impact the Batth move?

According to Alan Nixon, Blackburn also hold a long-standing interest in former Sunderland defender Danny Batth but have concerns due to the player’s age and potential sell-on value.

Therefore, the arrival of Sykes could be seen as the end of the Batth pursuit, but that remains to be seen.

The deal

Blackburn Rovers have been quoted a £600,000 price in order to land the defender, which is possible due to the Championship side raising funds for the deal.

However, Sykes’ former side Accrington Stanley are in line to receive a significant profit boost due to a sell-on clause in the player’s contract.

Writer’s View

Sykes scored twice in 18 league appearances in Belgium and has also made his Europa League debut as well and would provide a boost of experience at the back, following the departure of Daniel Ayala in June.

The defender would also have the ability to be sold on for profit in the future, which protects Blackburn’s long-term finances which becomes more attractive for the Championship side.