Blackburn and Preston lock horns for Sunderland’s Alan Browne

At Ewood Park, the corridors hummed with quiet expectation this week as Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn Rovers prepared for life back in the Championship. The Blue and Whites had already added two players this summer, but the manager’s focus remains fixed on one target: Sunderland’s Alan Browne.

The pursuit of the Irish midfielder had been public knowledge since early summer, with the Lancashire Telegraph documenting Rovers’ interest. Yet a fresh report from journalist Alan Nixon on Sunday morning has now introduced a new obstacle: Preston North End have entered the chase for Browne’s signature.

Blackburn’s transfer business this window has been modest. Moussa Baradji arrived from Yverdon Sport to bolster the midfield, while Jayden Fevrier joined from Stockport County on the wing. Mowbray’s squad-building is not yet complete, and the arrival of a player with Browne’s pedigree would represent a significant upgrade.

Browne’s own situation at Sunderland is unresolved. The Black Cats secured Premier League football in their first season back in the top flight, yet the midfielder’s future is uncertain. He spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he helped the club reach the Championship play-off final before falling to Hull City in a late defeat.

Returning to Wearside, Browne now appears available, with reports indicating Sunderland are prepared to allow him to leave. Blackburn were quick to register their interest, but Nixon’s update suggests Preston North End have also joined the race.

The North End’s involvement adds a local dimension to the contest. Browne is no stranger to Deepdale, having made over 400 appearances for Preston across more than a decade, scoring 46 goals and providing 26 assists. The club is reportedly keen to bring him back, potentially on loan, though they will face stiff competition from Blackburn.

The competition between the two Lancashire clubs underscores the value of Browne’s experience. At 32, he brings Championship-level know-how and a play-off final appearance to any side, qualities that align closely with the demands of the second tier.

Sunderland’s squad overhaul following their promotion has left several players, including Browne, surplus to requirements despite their Championship-winning contributions. The club’s rapid rise to the Premier League has reshaped the hierarchy, with new signings pushing established names down the pecking order.

Preston are also tracking Sheffield United striker Tom Cannon, though the focus remains on Browne for now. The race to sign the Irish midfielder is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing subplots of the Championship’s summer transfer window.

For Blackburn and Preston, the stakes are clear: securing Browne would strengthen their squads without the burden of a hefty transfer fee, a rare opportunity in modern football.