Plymouth man features: 5 free agents who Blackburn Rovers must consider ASAP | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are going to have some work to do on their squad over the course of the summer.

The most recent campaign was a disappointing campaign for the Ewood Park club, as they finished 19th in the final Championship standings, only securing safety on the final day.

Given that came just a season after they had finished seventh to miss out on the play-offs on goal difference alone, they will have to bounce back this time around.

To do so they will have to strengthen the options available to head coach John Eustace, as he oversees his first transfer window in charge of the club.

Considering budgets have been limited at times for Blackburn in recent years, the free agent market could be a useful one to exploit as they look for potential new signings.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look at five free agents and players due to be out of contract this summer who Rovers could target in the next few months, right here.

Paddy McNair

With Scott Wharton already confirmed to be out for most if not all of next season due to injury, and Connor O'Riordan being largely untested at this level, a new centre-back may need to be signed.

That will give Eustace the option to switch between a back four and back five, something he likes to have, and Paddy McNair could be a target well worth considering to fill that role.

The Northern Ireland international left Middlesbrough following the end of the campaign and would bring with him several years of Championship experience, during which time he has proven himself to be a reliable option at this level.

At 29-year-old, he should also have a fair amount still to offer, as he showed when called upon this season and the chance to remain at this level may appeal to him.

Brendan Galloway

One player who has been linked with Blackburn this season that may now be a sensible option for them to consider via the free agent market is Brendan Galloway.

The 28-year-old could provide some important cover and competition for Harry Pickering on that side of defence following the departure of Ben Chrisene after his spell on loan from Aston Villa and he is also capable of playing centre-back, offering some helpful versatility.

In doing so, it could free up academy prospects such as Georgie Gent and Jake Batty to head out on loan and get some useful experience that could aid their development.

But with Plymouth having offered Galloway a new contract and Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Coventry City also credited with an interest, there will be competition for his signature in the coming months.

Devante Cole

After their reliance on Sammie Szmodics in front of goal for most of last season, and with a host of missed chances costing them in several games, a new centre-forward is surely needed at Ewood Park this summer.

If that is to come via the free agent market, then one that Rovers may want to consider is Devante Cole, who has been confirmed to leave Barnsley at the end of this season.

The 29-year-old has scored 16 and 18 goals in the last two seasons for the League One club, suggesting he could be ready and capable of making the step-up to the Championship next season.

With his dad Andy Cole of course also a popular former Blackburn Rovers player, this is a signing that would arguably go down rather well among the fanbase as well, if it could be agreed.

Cody Drameh

The season ended with Joe Rankin-Costello playing and impressing in a more natural and preferred central midfield role for Blackburn, which may leave them lacking cover for Callum Brittain at right-back if that continues into the new campaign.

With his contract at parent club Leeds United set to expire at the end of this season, Cody Drameh could be a sensible option to fill that role.

While he has hardly played for the Elland Road club in recent years - further suggesting he will be on his way - he has impressed with several loans in the Championship, including helping Luton Town to promotion last season.

His last loan spell, however, came with Birmingham City, where he was signed by Eustace. That chance to reunite the duo, bringing the best out of both, is something that could therefore be an appealing prospect for all concerned here.

Bartosz Bialkowski

With both Aynsley Pears and Leopold Wahlstedt making some bad and damaging errors at times this season, a new goalkeeper may also appeal to many connected with Blackburn.

If the free agent market is the way they choose to go in their search to fill that void, Bialkowski could be one who is very much worth considering.

It has already been confirmed that the Pole will be leaving Millwall this summer, after spending the last ten years playing Championship football for the Lions and before that, Ipswich Town.

As a result, not only would he arrive as a proven reliable option at this level, but the 36-year-old also offers plenty of experience and insight. That he could be passed on to the younger duo of Pears and Wahlstedt to help them develop their own games, and become more reliable options for Rovers in the future.