Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Hull City in race to sign 25-year-old defender | OneFootball

The Championship trio all have their sights set on a move for Ismael Boura this January

Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Hull City are all interested in a deal for Troyes defender Ismael Boura this month.

According to Football Insider, the left-back is attracting a lot of attention from the Championship amid his performances in Ligue 2.

The 25-year-old is in his third campaign with the French side, and he has cemented himself as a key figure as they eye promotion back to the top flight.

Boura has made 17 appearances so far this season, starting on each occasion, and has contributed one goal and two assists.

The Comoros international has a contract with Troyes until the summer of 2027, meaning he is now into the final 18 months of his deal.

Preston, Hull and Blackburn eye Troyes defender

Preston, Hull and Blackburn are all reportedly interested in a deal to sign Boura this January as they seek defensive reinforcements.

It’s understood that they have all made it clear that they are keen on a deal for the 25-year-old, as the former two compete at the top of the Championship table and Rovers look to survive in the division.

Valerien Ismael’s side are 20th in the table and only four points clear of the relegation zone, so will be hoping to make improvements to the side in order to combat against the drop into League One.

Meanwhile, Boura is seen as someone that could help Hull and Preston fight for a top six finish in the second half of the campaign.

It remains to be seen what kind of fee it would take to convince Troyes to cash in before the 2 February transfer deadline, or if the player would be interested in a move to English football.

The Lilywhites are fourth in the standings, while Sergej Jakirovic’s team are outside of the play-offs due to an inferior goal difference, leaving them seventh.

Ismael Boura signing makes most sense for Blackburn

Boura has performed well in the second tier of French football, and has proven himself as an attacking full-back option.

This could make him most suited to Blackburn, who are most in need of reinforcements on the left flank.

He’d likely be providing cover for Ryan Giles if he were to move to the MKM Stadium or Thierry Small in Paul Heckingbottom’s squad.

If Blackburn can convince Troyes to cash in on the Comoros international, then he could prove a smart addition to bolster their thin backline for the second half of the campaign.