Blackburn boss addresses Hanley and Kent transfer links

Both players were touted as potential options earlier this week. The Lancashire Telegraph understands that neither are likely to move to Ewood Park.

Hanley, aged 33, is out of favour at Norwich City and his deal is up in the summer. He, of course, has a history at Rovers but is not the right profile of defender if the club bolster that position this month.

The LT exclusively revealed that Rovers have held talks with Coventry over Liam Kitching. He is left-sided and, whilst is predominantly a centre-back, has played left-back before too.

“There have been a lot of players we have been linked with,” Eustace said.

“I have just been told the number of players (linked) and had never heard of some of them. I think if we can bring good quality in all the areas to help this group of players, that would be fantastic.

“Grant is obviously a really experienced Championship player who has been promoted. He is a Scottish international and a good Championship player, so I can see why he has been linked with us. We are doing very well. We will have to wait and see.”

Hayden Carter is expected back from injury in the next three to four weeks. Danny Batth has done an exceptional job in his absence, alongside Dom Hyam.

Kyle McFadzean has not started a Championship game this season but is poised to deputise at Middlesbrough this weekend. Eustace admitted any further injuries in central defence would leave them short.

“That is why Kyle (McFadzean) is here as well. He has been working his socks off during pre-season and in the season as well,” Eustace said.

“He will be ready to go if called upon. It is a worry when anyone gets injured, you don’t want any of your main players to get injured. But as we have shown up to now, if that happens we have players who will come in, stand up and be counted.”

Kent is another name linked with Rovers and whilst they do want a left-winger, they are not expected to move for him.

The former Rangers man has been without a club since October after leaving Fenerbahce. Rovers are looking for players who can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in the starting XI.

“I have just been told that name, I haven’t looked at the rumours about who is coming in and supposed to be going,” Eustace added.

“I think Ryan is a good player from when he was at Rangers, a really exciting player. That is all I can say really.”

Whilst the head coach is not expecting any fresh faces before the trip to Teesside, Rovers have irons in the fire, including Kitching. Eustace’s priority is to add goals to the team with a number nine and left-sided attacker.

“I think we have spoken already about that, we would like to get people in the building as quickly as we can if they are the right people to come in, make us better and improve the team,” he continued.

“We have four huge league games coming up after Middlesbrough, that is a possible 12 points so we want as competitive a squad as we can. Obviously, if we could get any players in before then it would be brilliant.”

Read more at;https://sportupdates.co.uk