Blackburn Rovers eye free agent previously wanted by West Brom, Burnley and Stoke | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are eyeing up a deal for former Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone beyond the summer deadline

The summer transfer window may have slammed shut, but Blackburn Rovers don't appear to be done with business just yet, as the Lancashire-based outfit lines up the addition of a promotion-winning free agent.

According to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, Blackburn are preparing to make a move for former Southampton hero Will Smallbone, with the Irish midfielder available on a free transfer following his release from the Saints at the end of last season.

Tony Mowbray is keen to add one or two more faces to his squad despite the deadline, as Rovers have identified Smallbone as a possible option to come in and provide competition in the middle of the park at the Championship outfit.

Blackburn Rovers are eyeing a £0 move for Will Smallbone

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Indeed, Blackburn are showing an interest in Smallbone, who is available to pick up on a free transfer at any point despite the transfer deadline, but Crook reports they are one of numerous Championship clubs that have shown an interest in the 26-year-old.

Football League World exclusively revealed in mid-August that both Burnley and Stoke City had joined the race for Smallbone, after West Bromwich Albion had shown an interest in signing the former Southampton star.

Smallbone came through the ranks at St Mary's, scoring nine goals and assisting six in 90 appearances across all competitions for the club, with one of those assists coming in the play-off final against Leeds United in 2024 as the Saints won 1-0.

Spells on loan with Stoke City and Millwall have followed, and now, Smallbone, as now, Ewood Park has emerged as his next potential destination.

Why Blackburn Rovers are eyeing a move for Will Smallbone

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Blackburn have endured a quiet summer with limited spending power due to the reluctance of investment into the club by the Venky's ownership.

Moussa Baradji's loan deal was turned permanent before Tony Mowbray returned to the helm in the summer, as only Jayden Fevrier, Sam Morsy, and Gady Beyuku have arrived since.

Morsy arrived as a free agent following his release from Bristol City, whilst Fevrier and Beyuku join for modest fees.

Now, Blackburn are looking to continue their transfer strategy of spending sparsely with the potential addition of Smallbone, who Crook reports has multiple offers on the table from Championship clubs.

Rovers have Todd Cantwell occupying the number ten role at the moment, but beyond the former Norwich City star, there is not much competition or depth behind him.

Smallbone has proven to be more than capable of being effective in that role during his time with Stoke and Southampton, providing some much-needed creativity and goal threat, as Blackburn hope to be the club to take advantage of Saints' choice to release him.

Tony Mowbray is looking for further additions at Blackburn Rovers beyond the deadline after a quiet summer

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Despite the window slamming shut, Mowbray has not stopped his hunt for further additions at Ewood Park just yet.

The 62-year-old will likely be as frustrated as anyone at the club about the lack of investment, though he surely won't be surprised, having worked with the Venky's previously.

Smallbone, on a free transfer, could be a real coup for Blackburn, and would provide them with a completely different profile that they currently lack in the final third, though they must overcome competition from fellow Championship sides first.