Tony Mowbray ‘to target’ Alan Browne as Blackburn eye Sunderland midfielder | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are among several Championship sides weighing a move for Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne, with Tony Mowbray interested after his return to Ewood Park earlier this summer, the Lancashire Telegraph reports.

The 31-year-old has drawn strong second-tier interest thanks to his extensive Championship experience.

Browne featured regularly for Middlesbrough after a deadline-day loan last summer, at one stage winning the Championship player of the month award. A permanent return this summer has been viewed as unlikely, with Boro prioritising other midfield targets. That has alerted rivals, and the midfielder is expected to leave Sunderland later this summer.

No deal is advanced. Browne has flown to the USA with his Sunderland team-mates, started the opening pre-season friendly at York City, and is set to have a prominent role in upcoming games against Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham in Granit Xhaka's absence.

Xhaka is on a summer break following World Cup commitments and will link up with Sunderland ahead of the RC Lens friendly on 8 August.

Browne has one year left on his Sunderland deal, so the Black Cats are unlikely to seek a significant fee. They will, however, want loan or permanent terms that strengthen their position and reflect his pedigree.

Source: Sunderland Echo