Kean Bryan has emerged as a transfer target for Blackburn Rovers after his departure from Sheffield United, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon.

The 24-year-old left the Blades after failing to agree a new contract - that followed after making 13 appearances for the Yorkshire side in the Premier League last season.

Bryan was a back-up player under Chris Wilder before then and upon departing Bramall Lane in July, transfer interest emerged from Championship outfits West Brom and Middlesbrough.

Whilst the Baggies ended up going for another left-footer in Matt Clarke of Brighton, Bryan is still a target for Boro according to Nixon, with Neil Warnock still chasing a versatile left-sided defender.

But they have now been joined in the race by Rovers, who themselves are looking for reinforcements in an area of the pitch that they are thin in numbers on.

Tony Mowbray has been linked with a loan move for Man City's Dutch defender Philippe Sandler in recent days but he could opt to go down the free agent route rather than the loan one - or he could decide to bring both to Ewood Park.

The Verdict

This could be a pretty smart signing for Rovers by all accounts.

In recent years Mowbray has been pretty insistent on using a 4-2-3-1 system, however he tried out a three centre-back system against Morecambe in the Carabao Cup and if that's going to be an option going forward he's going to have to strengthen his back-line.

He has just Darragh Lenihan and Daniel Ayala to choose from as senior centre-backs right now - the latter is very injury prone as well - and whilst Bryan wouldn't bring much in the way of first-team experience considering his age he is definitely comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Rovers don't have a natural left-footed centre-back either, so Bryan would add some balance if Rovers were able to secure his signature - it looks as though Neil Warnock is going to provide some stiff competition though.