In recent years, the presence of the likes of Danny Graham, Stewart Downing, Harry Chapman, Daniel Ayala and indeed, Tony Mowbray himself, have ensured that Blackburn Rovers' squad has had something of an ex-Middlesbrough feel to it.

In the 2022/23 campaign however, it looks as though it is Middlesbrough's squad, that will have more than a sense of a Blackburn influence to it.

Already this summer, Chris Wilder's side have completed the signing of Rovers captain Darragh Lenihan following his departure from Ewood Park upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Ryan Giles - who spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Blackburn - has joined 'Boro on loan from Wolves until the end of the season, and it seems the connections will not be stopping there.

As revealed by Football League World earlier this week, Middlesbrough are now set to complete a deal to sign Ryan Nyambe, after the right-back also elected not to sign a new contract with Blackburn this summer.

Just as it will be disappointing for Rovers fans to see yet another one of their key players make a move to one of their Championship rivals on a free transfer, you get the feeling that for one player already on the books at The Riverside, this update could be equally worrying.

Having joined Middlesbrough from Preston North End back in January 2021, things have not exactly worked out for Darnell Fisher during his time in the North East.

The right-back made 12 league appearances during his first half-season with 'Boro, having seemingly established himself as a solid option on that side of the club's defence in the starting XI.

However, a freak knee injury suffered in pre-season last summer, meant that the right-back failed to make a single appearance during the 2021/22 campaign.

In his absence, the breakthrough campaign of Isaiah Jones last season saw him stake a strong claim to become the club's number one in that position long term.

With Nyambe now arriving on the back of helping Rovers mount their own push for the Championship play-offs last season, that gives Middlesbrough two well established options in that position to choose from going forward.

As a result, after so long in the background, it could be hard for Fisher to now force his way ahead of two high profile performers at this level in his position.

Indeed, with the 28-year-old now also entering the final year of his contract at The Riverside Stadium, 'Boro may feel that with a more than adequate set of options in that right-back spot, this would be a good time to move Fisher on, while they can still receive some sort of fee for him.

But given there is likely to be concerns about his match fitness and sharpness after not playing a competitive game since April 2020, you do wonder whether there are many clubs who would be willing to take a risk on Fisher for next season, particularly if there is going to be a fee involved to secure his services.

With that in mind, it could be argued that Fisher could be facing something of a spell in limbo over the coming months, which after so long out, is not going to do his career any favours at all.