Former Luton Town midfielder Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu is said to want to remain in England next season, amidst transfer interest from Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough, as per a recent report by the Lancashire Telegraph.

Boro are said to be leading the race to sign the 27-year-old central midfield player this summer, with The Northern Echo reporting that the club are expecting to hear if their pursuit has proved successful in the near future.

Rovers, Luton and Turkish side Hatayspor are all said to have also put forward contract offers to the player, with the report by the Lancashire Telegraph stating that Mpanzu wishes to remain in England as opposed to moving abroad.

Tony Mowbray's side are particularly short of options in the centre of the park following the departures of Corry Evans, Lewis Holtby, Stewart Downing and Tom Trybull and are understandably keen to bring in some fresh blood.

Mpanzu was a regular for Luton last term as he racked up 45 appearances across all coemptions for the Hatters before seeing his deal expire this summer.

The Verdict 

It would be some coup for Mowbray and co if they were able to convince Mpanzu to move to Ewood Park despite interest from elsewhere.

The all action midfielder was a consistent performer for Luton and would certainly add an extra level of dynamism in the centre of the park for Rovers.

It appears that Boro are indeed leading the race for his signature, so with that in mind, it wouldn't surprise me if Blackburn are already eyeing up other targets just in case they miss out.

Neil Warnock clearly has a strong pull in the current market and I wouldn't be at all shocked if Middlesbrough get their man after seemingly pushing hard in recent times.

Mpanzu isn't short of offers and it will be intriguing to see where he ends up.