Blackburn Rovers interested in top Championship defender

Blackburn Rovers are interested in a potential deal to sign Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry on a free transfer.

Fry has made 300 appearances for Middlesbrough across the last 11 seasons after progressing through the club's youth system.

The 28-year-old centre-back featured 37 times in all competitions for the club last season.

He was a key part of the team which secured a place in the Championship play-offs before their campaign ended in heartbreak with their play-off final defeat to Hull City.

Fry is out of contract this summer and remains locked in talks with the club regarding an extension.

A number of Championship clubs have shown an interest in Fry, while the Northern Echo has reported that Blackburn are high up on that list.

Blackburn endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign but they did manage to preserve their Championship status under the stewardship of interim manager Michael O'Neill.

Former boss Tony Mowbray has since picked up the reins and he has been tasked with stabilising the club before ultimately driving Rovers forward again.

Blackburn could have a limited budget to work with this season and the potential capture of Fry would be ideal given what they may have available.

He would also provide invaluable experience at the back and be seen as a natural leader if the talks with Middlesbrough continue to stall and ultimately break down.

Matt Gibbs

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