Fresh twist in Blackburn Rovers chase for Slaven Bilic emerges | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are eyeing up Slaven Bilic and Russell Martin to become their next manager but face a battle for both.

Blackburn Rovers are in the hunt for a new permanent manager after it was announced last week that interim boss Michael O'Neill wouldn't be remaining with the club next season.

The 56-year-old was appointed Rovers boss back in February following the sacking of Valerien Ismael, which was combined with his position as the manager of the Northern Irish national team.

During his time at Ewood Park, O'Neill won five, drew five and lost 5 of his 15 matches in charge of the Blue and Whites, securing their safety in the Championship with a 20th place finish.

However, despite the successful stint with Blackburn, it was announced last week that O'Neill wouldn't be penning a long-term deal with the Lancashire club. Instead, he will return to primarily focus on his role with Northern Ireland.

This has left Blackburn in pursuit of a new manager to try and fill the void left by O'Neill's departure, with a fresh report suggesting they're already eyeing up multiple candidates ahead of the new season.

Blackburn Rovers facing battle to appoint Slaven Bilic

One manager on Blackburn's radar is Slaven Bilic. The former West Brom and West Ham boss has been out of work since his sacking from Saudi side Al-Fateh in August 2024.

Since then, the Croatian has been linked with a return to the dugout, and Blackburn were in pursuit of his services to replace Ismael, which was an opportunity he rejected at the time.

However, Rovers have reportedly renewed their interest in Bilic now they know O'Neill won't be returning next season, but they will face a battle for his services, according to a fresh report from Alan Nixon via his Patreon page.

Amedspor are also keen to land the former Baggies boss according to Nixon, as they look to become a leading name in Turkish football, having won promotion to the top flight for the first time this season.

Both Amedspor and Blackburn are reportedly in contact with the 57-year-old as they look to win the race to appoint him, with the latter due to discuss the post and budget in the near future.

Despite this, Nixon suggests that the Turkish side's arrival in the race complicates Blackburn's plan as they may offer much more money, but the English side will try to win him over with job security.

Russell Martin also on Blackburn Rovers radar amid Championship competition

Another manager Nixon states is on the Lancashire club's radar is former Rangers and Southampton chief Russell Martin, who has been out of work since his sacking from the Glaswegian club back in October last year.

Despite a dismal stint at Ibrox, Martin is reportedly still in high demand this summer, as Blackburn are said to be conducting background checks on the 40-year-old amongst other candidates.

However, Rovers will face hefty competition to name Martin their new manager, as Championship rivals Watford, along with two unnamed European clubs, are reportedly chasing his services.

The former Rangers boss has also previously held talks with League One side Leicester City, according to Nixon, and is due to meet with the two unnamed European sides in the coming days, meaning Blackburn have a big task on their hands should they wish to appoint him - even with Bilic being their number one choice for now.