QPR have become the latest club to take an interest in signing Sunderland’s Danny Batth.
The Northern Echo have reported that the London outfit could challenge Blackburn Rovers for the defender.
Batth was named Sunderland’s Player of the Year last season after making 40 appearances in the Championship, but the Black Cats could now look to offload him despite his success.
The ‘special’ 32-year-old has a year left on his contract and has already been told that his deal won’t be extended beyond the current campaign, however the club are prepared to let him leave on a free transfer 12 months early.
Rovers previously looked set to land Batth this summer after holding negotiations with his representatives, however their financial position has made a move for his signature quite tough.
QPR are looking to take advantage of Rovers’ struggles and could jump ahead in their pursuit of Batth as they look to bolster their defence, with former Sunderland duo Jimmy Dunne and Jake Clarke-Salter both currently unavailable.
The report claims that Gareth Ainsworth’s side could hold further talks over the next 24 hours and a deal could be pushed through in time for their trip to Cardiff City this weekend.
What has Tony Mowbray said about QPR and Blackburn Rovers’ interest in Danny Batth?
While many fans have been left frustrated about Danny Batth’s potential exit, Tony Mowbray has admitted that he believes the defender should be allowed to leave if it is in his best interest.
Speaking after Sunderland’s defeat to Crewe in the Carabao Cup, the Black Cats boss said: “I think my own view is about the individuals, the players.
“If there’s an understanding that the players are going to leave – either want to leave or feel as though they’re not required – then I think my first thought is always about the human being and their families, and what’s right for them.
“Particularly as you start to tiptoe into your 30s, you need to have contractual situations that are right for the human being. So, I’m supportive of Danny, Alex and Goochy. I think what will be, will be. Let’s see what this next three weeks brings. I, personally, need to be supportive of those players.”