Middlesbrough handed big transfer boost as Blackburn Rovers manager Valerien Ismael speaks out on Callum Brittain | OneFootball

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael has confirmed that Callum Brittain is looking to leave the club, with Middlesbrough expected to sign the right-back.

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael has confirmed that Callum Brittain refused to play in their friendly win over Accrington, with Middlesbrough leading the race for his signature.

There has been uncertainty surrounding the future of the 27-year-old in this window, with Wrexham, Derby and Boro all credited with an interest in the right-back, who has entered the final year of his contract at Ewood Park.

Therefore, Rovers were always going to face a battle to keep Brittain at the club, even though they had offered him fresh terms to secure his long-term future.

Valerian Ismael provides Callum Britain update as Middlesbrough try to sign Blackburn defender

However, Brittain has seemingly declined to accept a new contract with Rovers after both Derby and Middlesbrough submitted offers for him recently, as Ismael gave an update on the situation of the ex-Barnsley man when speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, which included revealing the player had refused to play at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

“We've got an offer on the table. Callum decided not to play today on his own," Ismael said.

"He took this decision. So I spoke with him. I said we can let this game pass but from next week, we hope to have clarity.

“It's clear that some clubs are very interested, especially one that is very interested in Callum. Nothing has been agreed yet.

"The clubs need to understand that Callum is a significant player for us, for me personally as well. So we don't want to let him go. But it's clear that, financially, the club needs to make a deal because of his contract.

“We made an offer. We made a very big effort for him. He has an offer he wants to take. So this is a rule in football. So we accept that.”

The update also reports that Middlesbrough have emerged as the front-runners to sign Brittain and whilst a fee is yet to be agreed, it’s seen as a ‘matter of time’ before they do, with the defender wanting to speak to Rob Edwards and Boro.

Blackburn Rovers must build around players who are committed to the club - Callum Brittain evidently is not

This is obviously frustrating for Blackburn, as Brittain is a proven Championship performer, and, as Ismael says, he is perfectly suited to his system and the way the boss wants to play.

But, his contract situation meant Rovers were always going to be in a difficult position when it came to keeping him at the club.

We know the financial situation at Blackburn, and the reality is that it makes sense for the club to get a fee for someone who is entering the final year of his deal and doesn’t want to sign an extension, as it will give Ismael the funds to get a replacement.

So, it will be a move that suits all parties, as Brittain gets to test himself in a new environment, and Boro will be bringing in an exciting player.