Blackburn Rovers have joined three Scottish Premiership clubs - including Celtic - in the battle to sign Motherwell defender Declan Gallagher, according to a report from The Daily Record.

Tony Mowbray's side are in need of a some fresh recruits at the heart of their defence this summer, with Daniel Ayala, Derrick Williams and Scott Wharton all currently out injured in that position.

Now it seems as though one potential option has emerged to fill that role in the shape of Gallagher, with this latest update claiming that Rovers are currently monitoring the 29-year-old's situation.

However, it is thought that Rovers are not alone with their interest in Gallagher, with Celtic, Hibernian and Aberdeen all also said to be keen on the defender.

As things stand, there are just six months remaining on Gallagher's contract with Motherwell, although it has been reported that an extension in his contract will be triggered if he plays six more games for the club.

But Gallagher himself is understood to be hopeful that that does not happen, with the player apparently keen to force through a move to boyhood club Celtic, which could make it hard for Blackburn to get this deal done.

Since joining Motherwell from Livingston in the summer of 2019, Gallagher has made 60 appearances in all competitions for the Fir Park club, scoring on three occasions.

The Verdict

This looks as though it could be a smart signing for Blackburn to make.

With the injuries they are currently having to deal with at centre back, it is clear they will have to strengthen in that position if they are to have any hope of challenging for the play-offs this season.

Given the experience of regular first-team football that he possesses, it could certainly be argued that Gallagher would be a smart option for the Lancashire club to look to fill that role with.

However, given Gallagher's apparent desire to play for Celtic, and their supposed interest in the 29-year-old, it does seem hard to imagine the 29-year-old will be making the move to Ewood Park anytime soon, meaning Rovers might have to look elsewhere in their search for defensive reinforcements.