Blackburn Rovers may be a side that could well be busy right up to the 11pm deadline on Tuesday the 31^st.

It’s been a very up and down season for Jon Dahl Tomasson in his first managerial spell in England. The club collected their first draw of the season last weekend as they recorded a 1-1 draw at Bristol City.

The recent defeat to Rotherham United and their draw against the Robins means Rovers have now conceded 35 goals which is the worst in the top 10 of the league along with Middlesbrough.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that there has been talk of Blackburn trying to improve their defence in this January transfer window. One player that the club has been linked with is Hibernian’s Ryan Porteous, who the club made a reportedly six-figure offer for.

However, according to Sky Sports Transfer Centre, Watford have had a bid accepted between £400,000 - £500,000 for the defender.

While it has also been claimed that Rovers are keen on signing Jan Paul van Hecke on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion. A player they are fully aware of, as he spent last season on loan at the Lancashire outfit.

However, it seems Rovers face competition for the Brighton man, as other Championship sides are said to be interested in the defender as well.

So as Blackburn look at the market for new defensive options, one player who they should definitely consider is Middlesbrough’s Paddy McNair.

It has recently been revealed by Football League Word, that Middlesbrough are open to offers for McNair and fellow defender Anfernee Dijksteel.

Since Michael Carrick’s arrival, the Boro boss has preferred a back four which has seen him go with Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan as the centre-back pair.

Now this report has revealed that Middlesbrough are keen on signing a new central defender this month and the Teessiders are now willing to let McNair leave the Riverside if they get an offer.

McNair has been at Middlesbrough since the summer of 2018, when he joined from rivals Sunderland. In his four years at the club, he has made a total of 178 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 15 assists.

The 27-year-old started eight of the club’s nine opening league games, but since Carrick’s arrival, the defender has only made three appearances, all coming in the last three games.

As McNair seems to be available this month, Rovers should be a side that look to move for the defender. The Lancashire outfit seem to be on the lookout for a new defender this month, as they have expressed an interest in Porteous and van Hecke.

However, McNair could be an answer to their problems, as he is a player that is already fully established in the Championship. The 27-year-old would bring with him viable versatility, as he has shown over the years he can play at full back, centre-back, and in midfield.

His contract at the Riverside runs until the summer of 2024, but considering it seems Boro want a new defender and are willing to let McNair depart, he could be available for a low-cost fee.