Owen Coyle’s Blackburn Rovers currently find themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight and currently occupy the last relegation spot, but sit just one point from safety.

Survival is no doubt the aim for this club and it appears that January could prove to be a pivotal month as the right additions could see them catapult up the table.

One reason for Blackburn's struggles so far this campaign is due to the sheer amount of goals conceded.

Only two clubs - Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United - have a worse defensive record this season than Blackburn Rovers and it is clear that defensive reinforcements are needed at Ewood Park.

The team have conceded a remarkable 40 goals in just 25 league games.

Therefore, Coyle should prioritise defenders in this upcoming window as he is getting goals from Sam Gallagher and Danny Graham and the service is being provided from the likes of Ben Marshall.

Blackburn haven't properly replaced Shane Duffy and Grant Hanley.

This article is going to suggest three defenders that the club could potentially look to bring in this month to help sure up their leaky defence...

Reece Oxford

One player that Rovers could look to bring in this month to help shore up their defence is young West Ham player Reece Oxford.

Oxford burst onto the scene on the opening day of last season when he became the youngest ever Premier League starter in West Ham’s clash away at Arsenal.

Oxford played 79 minutes and put in a man of the match performance as West Ham ran out 2-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium.

The 18-year-old has since suffered a few injuries which have halted his progress but a loan spell in the Championship, where he'd be playing each week, would definitely boost his future hopes of nailing down a regular spot in West Ham's side.

Joe Mattock

Another player that the club could look to bring in this transfer window is full back Joe Mattock from relegation threatened Rotherham United.

The Millers look certain to be playing League One football next year, meaning Mattock may be keen to escape the New York Stadium this month to increase his chances of still being a Championship player next season.

Despite being part of the league's worst defence this season, individually the 26-year-old is a very talented player, so much so that he was actually capped at under-17, 19 and 21 level by England in his earlier days.

Mattock has played the vast majority of his career in England's 2nd tier, representing the likes of Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and Sheffield United.

Chey Dunkley

The final player to be included in this article of potential defensive reinforcements for Rovers this month is Oxford United's Chey Dunkley.

Dunkley is a commanding presence at the back: he is quick, agile and strong and could prove to be a very useful addition to Owen Coyle's team.

Before signing for Oxford, Dunkley rose through the prestigious Crewe Alexandra academy before climbing back to professional football by impressing with non-league clubs Hednesford Town and Kidderminster Harriers.

The 24-year-old stands at 6 foot 2 inches tall and has a very good leap which makes him dangerous in the opponent's penalty area, and he is useful in his own.

 

Blackburn fans - do you agree with these suggestions? Do you need to sign some defenders? Would you take Oxford, Dunkley or Mattock? Let us know in the comments below...