Blackburn Rovers would like to see Jan Paul van Hecke return to Ewood Park during this window, according to a Twitter update from journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lancashire side have only made one signing so far this summer, enduring another slow start to a transfer window after failing to recruit any player before the start of last season despite Adam Armstrong's imminent departure.

This could mean they may benefit from bringing in players who will settle in quickly - and van Hecke could be one of those who fit that category after the vast majority of 2021/22 at Ewood Park.

 

 

Although he suffered a low moment in November when his first-half red card led to their capitulation in their 7-0 home defeat against Fulham, he proved to be an important asset in Tony Mowbray's backline along with Darragh Lenihan and Scott Wharton.

Lenihan has left since then and with the club failing to bring in a replacement for the Irishman, they are in desperate need of addressing this area and van Hecke is now thought to be someone they would like to sign, though it remains to be seen whether Brighton and Hove Albion will be willing to let him go again, either on loan or permanently.

One player they won't be re-signing, however, is Reda Khadra who is on the verge of completing his move to Sheffield United.

The Verdict:

Considering how influential the Dutchman was last term, it would be a real boost for Blackburn if they were able to bring him in once more and he would certainly help to fill the void Lenihan has created with his departure.

They may have endured a poor run of form during the latter stages of the last campaign - but it can't be forgotten that the Lancashire outfit exceeded many peoples' expectations for much of the season and van Hecke played a big part in that.

Able to slot in seamlessly, he could be a calming presence at the back and that's what they require at this stage, also potentially giving Callum Brittain the confidence to push forward and be a threat in the final third.

Brittain will be crucial to their success in attack if he's deployed as a wing-back - but the former Barnsley man will need a safe pair of hands behind him if he's to have the confidence to get in the right attacking positions.

In van Hecke, they would have a player who already has English second-tier football under his belt and plenty of room to grow, so another loan deal may be ideal if they can get it over the line.