Exclusive: Blackburn in Race with Millwall to Sign Sunderland Midfielder Alan Browne

Blackburn will face competition to land Sunderland’s Alan Browne, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Rovers are teeing up a deal which would see Browne return to Lancashire, where he spent a decade with rivals Preston North End.

Valerian Ismael is a huge admirer of the central midfielder and is looking for a replacement for former captain Lewis Travis, who completed his move to Derby County earlier this week.

But there are a number of other Championship clubs interested in securing the services of the Republic of Ireland international.

It is reported Browne is open to moving to Blackburn, who are yet to make an offer, if the terms of the deal are right with location and playing time at this stage of his career big factors in any potential move.

But Alex Neil remains keen on a reunion with the player at Millwall and has tried to lure his former captain to London. 

During his time at North End, Browne was regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the Championship.

He comes with a wealth of experience and would be a good swoop for whoever lands the midfielder. 

On The Move

Browne, 30, has not featured so far this season and is free to leave the Black Cats following their promotion to the Premier League.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris is on a mission to offload a number of fringe players after an influx of players for their return to the top flight.

And Browne, who made just 13 starts in last season’s promotion campaign, has been told he is free to leave the Stadium of Light this summer after the arrivals of Swiss star Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee and Noah Sadiki as midfield options. 

Speaking last week, Le Bris said: “We had this conversation with Alan, about game time and what he needs for the best future for him. It's an open conversation and we will see next week.”