Blackburn Rovers could again turn their attentions to Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, with Tony Mowbray’s side potentially facing the prospect of needing to bring in a new number one in the summer, according to Lancashire Live.

Rovers’ current number one goalkeeper Christian Walton is due to return to his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer, which would leave Mowbray’s side needing to find a new long-term option to rely on to be their number one keeper over the next few years.

McLaughlin has delivered some strong performances for Sunderland in League One this season, managing to fend off a challenge from Lee Burge to keep himself as the club’s first choice between the sticks, but he is set to be out of contract in the summer so could be available to move elsewhere.

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It is thought that Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson is keen to keep hold of the keeper, but that McLaughlin is holding out to see whether or not the Black Cats managed to go on and secure promotion to the Championship – and if they miss out on promotion it could open the door for Blackburn who were thought to have kept tabs on him in January.

The verdict

This would seem like a sensible move from Blackburn were they to make a move for McLaughlin in the summer, with the experienced keeper proving with his performances at Sunderland that he has the ability to perform consistently in the Championship.

It will be vital that Blackburn manage to bring in the right option in the summer, with Mowbray’s side in need of finding a more long-term replacement for David Raya who joined Brentford last summer, and although Walton has performed very well at Ewood Park it looks unlikely he will be returning.

The fact that McLaughlin could be available on a free transfer makes a move for him appear to be a very wise one, considering that Blackburn would then be able to potentially save some of their transfer budget to invest in other areas of the squad that need improving.

A move would likely be dependent on whether Sunderland manage to earn promotion when the season does resume, with the keeper potentially being tempted to remain at the Stadium of Light if they are in the Championship, so Rovers will have to wait and see if they can make a move for him.