Blackburn Rovers are in a challenging position in the Championship table.
With nine games of the season to go, the Ewood Park club currently sit 18th in the Championship table, three points clear of the relegation zone.
That is even more concerning given their recent form, with the Lancashire outfit winning just two of their last 19 league games.
The pressure is therefore building on recently appointed head coach John Eustace to get Blackburn Rovers out of trouble.
One man who will be key to their hopes of doing that is Sam Szmodics. The attacker has been in excellent form this season despite his side’s troubles, already passing the 25-goal mark in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly though, that is starting to attract interest from the Premier League. Recent reports from journalist Alan Nixon have claimed that top-flight duo Brentford and Luton Town are both interested in the 28-year-old.
Losing Szmodics would of course, leave a major void at Ewood Park that would have to be filled for next season.
So with that in mind, we’ve taken a look at three potential targets Blackburn Rovers should be considering in case Szmodics leaves this summer, right here.
Alfie Devine could be another loan option
There have been plenty of young Premier League players who have enjoyed successful loan spells at Ewood Park in recent years.
That may be a route that Blackburn Rovers have to exploit again in the summer, given their financial situation, and Alfie Devine could help fill that void. The Tottenham youngster did well at Port Vale earlier in the season, and is now gaining experience in the Championship with Plymouth Argyle.
Indeed, the teenager caught the eye in his side’s recent draw at Ewood Park for his attacking intent, meaning he could be one who helps to fill the void left by Szmodics, should the need arise.
Karamoko Dembele has been linked with Blackburn Rovers
Back in the summer transfer window, it was reported that Blackburn Rovers were interested in Stade Brest attacking midfielder Karamoko Dembele.
Ultimately, no deal would materialise, with the former Celtic youngster instead joining Blackpool on loan. Since then, the 21-year-old has excelled at Bloomfield Road. He has scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 40 appearances in all competitions, helping the club push for promotion from League One.
His success at that level may suggest he could cope with the demands of the Championship as well. With that in mind, Blackburn Rovers may not want to rule out reigniting their interest in Dembele just yet.
Josh Windass would provide Championship experience
There have been repeated calls to add more experience to the squad at Ewood Park in recent times, and that could come in the form of Josh Windass.
The 30-year-old already has over 150 appearances to his name in the Championship, and is capable of getting goals and assists in that number ten role, as he has shown throughout his career.
As things stand, Windass is set to be out of contract at Sheffield Wednesday come the end of the season. In that case, with Blackburn Rovers looking as though they could be working on a budget, signing a player such as Windass on a free transfer could be a useful piece of business.