Blackburn Rovers have enquired about the availability of midfielder Glenn Whelan following his recent release from Aston Villa, The Lancashire Telegraph have reported.

Whelan is available on a free transfer after being released by Aston Villa following their promotion to the Premier League last month, and Rovers are one of those who are keen to secure the services of the international striker.

It is thought that Rovers manager Tony Mowbray is keen to add experience to what he feels is a promising young side, and Whelan, who has made nearly 600 senior appearances during his career, would fit that bill.

Rovers are not the only Championship side who are thought to be interested in Whelan, with The Stoke Sentinel reporting recently that Stoke are keen to bring the midfielder back to the bet365 Stadium.

Whelan spent nine years of his career with Stoke, making 333 appearances in all competitions for The Potters before moving to Aston Villa in the summer of 2017, and it is thought that the midfielder would be interested in a return to the club.

The verdict

This could be a good signing for Rovers.

If Mowbray wants experience then there are few better placed than Whelan to provide that. Whelan's role as a holding midfielder means he would likely be working on and off the pitch alongside 21-year-old Lewis Travis, who has shown a huge amount of potential since breaking into the side in January, and could have much to learn from Whelan.

This is a move that could therefore prove beneficial on two fronts for Rovers, both in terms of Whelan's own performances, and what he could bring out of some of Rovers' younger players.