Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn update as discussions continue over three players

Published

3 weeks ago

June 13, 2024

Leopold Wahlstedt is the subject of interest from Scandinavia but no deal has been formalised for the goalkeeper to leave Blackburn Rovers, The Lancashire Telegraph understands.

The 24-year-old joined Rovers from Odd last summer and endured a difficult debut season in English football. Wahlstedt was recruited to compete with Aynlsey Pears after Thomas Kaminski was sold.

A report from Tipsbladet earlier this week claimed that Danish side AGF had offered one million euros. That would be around that same figure Rovers investment 12 months ago.

It’s understood that Rovers have fielded interest from clubs in the region but no deal is imminent. Wahlstedt signed a three-year deal at Ewood Park last summer and so has plenty of time left on his existing terms.

Rovers would have to sign a goalkeeper if they sold Wahlstedt. Soon-to-be free agent John Ruddy has been linked, having worked with John Eustace at Birmingham City previously. He has been offered a contract by the Blues and will hold more talks after Chris Davies was appointed as their new head coach.

Talks with Kyle McFadzean and John Fleck are ongoing with their short-term contracts set to end on June 30. Both players have been in discussions with Rovers over potentially extending their stay at Ewood Park after joining in the January transfer window.

McFadzean told The Lancashire Telegraph in May that he wanted to stay at Rovers, with Eustace echoing that sentiment before the season ended.

There had been hope a deal would be finalised quickly with other clubs looking at the 37-year-old. However, no agreement has been reached yet, though nothing has been ruled out either.

Fleck’s situation is slightly different having been injured for the duration of his stay. He lasted only 17 minutes against Preston North End before undergoing surgery which ruled him out for the campaign.

The 32-year-old has struggled with injury problems in the last 18 months but is keen to prove his fitness. As a result, Rovers are expected to offer him the opportunity to train with them for pre-season whilst contract discussions continue.

Whilst a deal for neither player has been ruled out, it’s clear Rovers are keen to ensure that any contract extensions are right for both parties.

Eustace wants the squad to be better balanced in terms of experience for the upcoming season but the board has held reservations in the past about multi-year terms for players with little resale value.

Discussions have been ongoing with potential targets in the infancy of the transfer window, which doesn’t officially open until Thursday, June 14.

Rovers have restructured their recruitment operations, with Director of Football Gregg Broughton leaving. Head of Recruitment Sean Kimberley is also departing with John Park returning to assume that position. Rovers are still working to finalise their backroom additions ahead of a formal announcement.

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