Exclusive: Middlesbrough’s Callum Brittain deal faces collapse after Blackburn talks
Middlesbrough’s move for Blackburn Rovers defender Callum Brittain is in danger of collapsing, sources have told Football Insider.
Boro are keen on signing the 27-year-old full-back and have been locked in talks with Rovers over a fee as new Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards looks to rebuild his side’s defence.
However, the two Championship clubs – who both came close to a play-off place last season – have been unable to agree a fee for Brittain, putting Middlesbrough‘s deal in danger.
Brittain has turned down a new deal at Blackburn as he seeks a new challenge away from Ewood Park.
The right-back made 33 Championship appearances, playing 2794 minutes in all competitions.
Brittain to battle for Blackburn exit as new signings secured
Football Insider revealed on 3 July that former Blackburn boss John Eustace wanted to take Brittain to Derby County amid the uncertainty over his contract, and those contract talks have since broken down.
Brittain isn’t the only player Eustace wants to reunite with this summer after he also explored a move for Rovers loanee Owen Beck from Liverpool, but Brittain’s Ewood Park future is currently at a crossroads.
Versatile Hull City defender Sean McLoughlin is on his way to Blackburn imminently as revealed by Football Insider, as Valerien Ismael takes steps to fill the defensive gaps that Brittain’s departure will create.
Former Arsenal academy right-back Ryan Alebiosu has also been signed from Belgian side KV Kortrijk as Rovers’ summer spending continues, leaving the writing on the wall for Brittain’s future prospects.
Middlesbrough must resolve Brittain stalemate amid Riverside exits
Edwards has been tasked with taking Boro back to the promised land next season after Michael Carrick was sacked in the wake of a tenth-placed finish, but transfer business has been slow at the Riverside.
Tottenham youngster Archie Baptiste has been Boro’s only incoming defender so far, and Anfernee Dijksteel‘s departure on a free transfer leaves Brittain with an evident hole to fill at right-back next term.
Boro have focused much of their attention on the front end of Edwards’ team with a move for ex-England striker Danny Ings on the cards, but right-back is a clear area of weakness which Brittain’s arrival would immediately address.