Premier League strugglers Sunderland are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers defender Shane Duffy during the summer transfer window, according to the Sun

Shane Duffy could be leaving Blackburn in the summer
Shane Duffy could be leaving Blackburn in the summer

Sam Allardyce, who took over the job from Dick Advocaat in October, is thought to have made Duffy's signing priority number one in the summer transfer window as he looks for solutions to their leaky defence - no team have conceded more in the Premier League this season than the Black Cats.

It is believed that Allardyce will try to prize the defender from Ewood Park, whether he is preparing his team for another season in the Premier League, or if they get relegated at the end of this campaign.

The fee is believed to be around £5 million, and Rovers fans will be hoping that the club reinvest that money wisely.

Manager Paul Lambert will likely have a fair amount of money to strengthen his side with this summer, including the £9 million they earned from the sale of Jordan Rhodes to Middlesbrough late on deadline day.

The one-time Republic of Ireland international has missed just two games this season, proving to be a crucial member of the Rovers defence.

Duffy started his career at Everton, with loan spells at Burnley and Scunthorpe United, before spending most of the 2013-14 season at then-Championship side Yeovil Town. He made 37 appearances for the Glovers as they finished bottom, just a year after gaining promotion from League One.

He joined Blackburn in September 2014, where he has made 47 appearances for the club. The Lancashire side are 19th place in the table, but have a two games in hand and an eight point margin over the sides in the relegation zone.

Blackburn fans... what do you think? Will you miss Duffy should he leave in the summer? Who do you think will be a good choice as a replacement? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!