Alan Browne is a man in demand after a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough last season

Blackburn Rovers are one of a number of Championship clubs eyeing up a move for Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Tony Mowbray is interested in signing the 31-year-old following his return to Ewood Park as head coach earlier this summer. Browne has interest from a significant number of second-tier clubs as a result of his vast experience at the level.

Though Browne featured regularly for Middlesbrough following his deadline-day loan switch to the Riverside last summer, at one stage winning the Championship player of the month award, a return has been seen as unlikely as this summer with the club prioritising other midfield targets. That has put other clubs on red alert, with the midfielder expected to depart Sunderland later this summer.

No deal is advanced, with Browne having flown out to the USA with his Sunderland team mates. Browne started in midfield during the club's opening pre-season friendly against York City and is expected to have a prominent role to play in the upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham in Granit Xhaka's absence. Xhaka is currently on a summer break following his World Cup commitments, and will link up with his Sunderland team mates ahead of the friendly with RC Lens on August 8th.

Browne has one year left on his Sunderland deal, and so the Black Cats are unlikely to demand a significant fee for the 31-year-old. However, they will want a financial deal whether it be a loan or permanent transfer that improves their own position and reflects Browne's pedigree.

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Régis Le Bris outlines Sunderland squad plan for 2026/27

Le Bris wants to work with a squad of around 20 players for the upcoming campaign, and as it stands central midfield is an area where the club are well stocked.

"It's important to build a squad ready for both competitions," Le Bris said.

"First of all, the Premier League is going to be our main target. After that, it's important to strengthen the group with two or three, four maybe, core players to strengthen the foundations. After that, we need a full group, almost 20, to be able to manage."

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