Sunderland skipper Danny Batth will be left out of the season opener with Ipswich to open the door to a move to Blackburn Rovers:

Centre half Batth has been given the shock decision after weeks of uncertainty over his future and no sign of a new contract.

Mackem’s boss Tony Mowbray is under pressure to lower the age of his squad and the wage bill and Batth, the player of the year last season, is in the firing line. Batth was keen to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light and sign for a stay beyond the one year he has left. Talks have gone on between Batth and director of football Kristian Speakman but broke down recently.

And now Sunderland’s hierarchy have decided he can go and will now let Blackburn speak to the experienced defender.

Rovers have been keen on Batth all window but the deal will depend on him being given a free transfer.

Crystal Palace’s Scottish midfielder Scott Banks is a surprise target for Blackburn Rovers.

Banks was due to head for Blackpool in a £500,000 deal last week before Rovers made an inquiry.

The Ewood outfit are expected to come in for him on loan with a view to a possible buy in the summer.

Story courtesy of Alan Nixon @reluctantnicko. 

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