Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has confirmed that there has been interest in Danny Graham from Australia, but expects the striker to remain at Ewood Park.

It was reported earlier this week by Australian site The World Game that Western Sydney Wanderers were keen to sign the 34-year-old, but it appears that that interest has been unsuccessful.

The A-League side had apparently been keen to bring Graham before the start of their season on the 11th October, although Mowbray has now suggested that that will not be happening.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph about the interest in Graham, Mowbray said: “I did take a random call and I think that was a possibility.

“I ran it by Danny out of respect for Danny Graham. The conversation I had was about the term of that contract.

“I would hope that he’d want to stay and fight for his place and enjoy his career at this club because I want him to enjoy his football. At the same time, the terms I was told of that deal would have been good for Danny Graham so I felt rather than keep that one discussion to myself I would let him make the decision."

Despite that, it appears Mowbray is confident of keeping the striker at Ewood Park, as he added: “It looks to me, because nothing has come of it, is that he’s happy to stay here and fight for his place and be part of Blackburn Rovers.”

Graham initially joined Blackburn on loan from Sunderland in January 2016, before making his move permanent the following summer, with the striker making a total of 159 appearances and scoring 54 goals in all competitions for Rovers.

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The 34-year-old's current contract at the club is set to expire at the end of this season, although it is thought that Graham is keen to extend his stay at the club beyond that point.

The Verdict

I think this will be a relief for may around Blackburn.

Graham is a very popular figure in and around the club, so I don't think there will have been many of a Rovers persuasion who would have wanted to see him leave.

The striker's performances throughout last season - which earned him the club's Player of the Year award - certainly seem to suggest he can still make a contribution on the pitch as well.

I would even go so far as to suggest that Blackburn may be well served offering the striker a new contract at the club sooner rather than later, in order to put any speculation such as this to bed quickly.