Sunderland defender Danny Batth has attracted interest from Blackburn Rovers.
That’s according to journalist Alan Nixon, who have reported that the Championship club want to snap up the 32-year-old from Sunderland for free.
Batth joined Sunderland from Stoke City in 2022 and he became one of their most important players as they won promotion to the second tier before he was named the club’s Player of the Year last season.
The centre-back signed an initial 18-month contract in January of last year before the Black Cats opted to extend his contract in February, meaning he still has another 12 months on his current deal.
Despite triggering a contract extension, the Lancashire Telegraph have claimed that Sunderland are ‘unlikely’ to hold out for a fee, which could otherwise be a barrier to a deal.
This follows a report from Sunderland Nation that claim that Batth, Alex Pritchard and Lynden Gooch could depart the Stadium of Light after they were told their contracts will not be renewed next summer.
Letting Danny Batth join Blackburn Rovers for free makes no sense from Sunderland
Danny Batth was easily one of Sunderland’s best players last season – hence his Player of the Year award.
While the Black Cats have welcomed Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt to their backline, fans were still fully expecting the veteran defender to retain his place in the starting line-up and continue his fine form.
It is also completely understandable that he would leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season when approaching his 34th birthday, however sending him packing for absolutely nothing this summer doesn’t make any sense.
Batth’s presence and leadership certainly doesn’t go unnoticed among his teammates, with Luke O’Nien praising him as he was handed the captain’s armband following Corry Evans injury.
“Danny Batth has always been a leader and even without the armband he was a leader in terms of his presence and the way he plays,” O’Nien said.
“I know every single player loves him, we enjoy having him in the team and he’s just solid all round on the pitch. Off the pitch he’s just a good guy.”
Selling last season’s best player to one of our Championship rivals for nothing could be a huge mistake by Kristjaan Speakman.