Blackburn Rovers are interested in a deal for Glenavon midfielder Mark Sykes, according to reports in the Leicester Mercury.

The 20-year-old has impressed this season for the Northern Irish side, with the Lurgan-based side lying in second place following the opening fourteen rounds of fixtures.

Touted as a future international, Sykes is gaining plaudits from across the Irish Premiership, and his exploits have not gone unnoticed this side of the Irish Sea.

As well as Tony Mowbray’s side, Premier League Leicester City and Scottish giants Celtic are reportedly interested in the player, with Sykes in high-demand heading into the winter transfer window.

Mowbray is keen to strengthen his side as the Ewood Park outfit go in search of an automatic promotion spot, but faces stiff competition in his pursuit for the promising youngster.

The Verdict

Sykes is a player with a lot of ability and potential, and has a phenomenal record since breaking into the first team at Glenavon this season, recording four goals at an average of a goal every 68 minutes.

A number of top Championship stars have come across from Northern Ireland’s top flight in recent years including Stuart Dallas, who joined Brentford from Crusaders before going on to become a regular in Michael O’Neill’s international side.

20-year-old Sykes would slot straight into the first team set-up at Ewood Park whereas he would be forced to bide his time at Celtic and Leicester, so he has a big decision to make should reported interest resort in bids for his signature.

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