Blackburn Rovers director of football Gregg Broughton has confirmed the future of Darragh Lenihan.
The defender will depart Ewood Park this summer following the expiration of his contract.
It was reported earlier this month that the Irishman was lining up a move to Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
But it was still hoped that the centre back could be convinced to remain with Rovers beyond the season.
Lenihan has made 252 appearances for the club during his time at Blackburn, having come through the academy.
The 28-year old has been chased by Boro boss Chris Wilder in the past, with his Sheffield United side trying to sign him in the past.
New boss Jon Dahl Tomasson was unable to persuade Lenihan to remain at the club, with the new director of football now confirming that he will depart as a free agent.
“I haven’t had a chance to speak to Darragh myself, but the information I got when I came was very clear that he’d already made that decision and communicated that with the club,” said Broughton, via Lancashire Telegraph.
“Darragh has been a great servant, he’d come through the Academy, been here many, many years, and sometimes a player says that’s his time to go and have a look elsewhere, and sometimes in life you have to experience something different.
“We wish Darragh the very best, and if he’s still playing in the Championship next year, I’m sure the fans will give him a warm welcome.”
Tomasson has arrived as the replacement to Tony Mowbray, whose contract also expired at the end of the season.
The 58-year old led the club to an 8th place finish in the Championship before his exit.
The Verdict
This is a big loss for Blackburn, who will lose a key part of the team’s defence without even earning a transfer fee in the process.
Rovers’ loss will likely be Middlesbrough’s gain if he does make the move to the Riverside.
Lenihan has been one of the division’s strongest and most dependable centre backs this season and will be a great addition to any side.
His performances this season also earned him his first competitive cap for the Irish national team, playing in a 1-1 draw against Ukraine.