Blackburn Rovers find themselves in the midst of an injury crisis and a lack of activity at the end of the transfer window failed to address their personnel shortage.
Tony Mowbray had hoped to acquire at least two new faces on deadline day, but Rovers were only able to facilitate the addition of Gady Beyuku from Modena in an underwhelming end to the transfer window.
Beyuku was only one of four transfers Blackburn completed over the summer, accompanying Moussa Baradji, Jayden Fevrier and Sam Morsy through the door at Ewood Park.
Failing to add the necessary reinforcements, the extent of the club's injury crisis is underlined by Mowbray only having one senior centre-back available for the trip to Deepdale to face Lancashire rivals Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday.
With the window now closed, it's likely Blackburn will explore the free agent market to boost squad numbers, and we've assessed the players they could look at.
Will Smallbone
According to reports from local and national media, Blackburn are exploring the signing of central midfielder Will Smallbone.
The 26-year-old was released by Southampton in June, ending an 18-year association with his boyhood Saints.
Smallbone spent last season on loan at Millwall, making just 10 appearances in yet another injury-hit campaign for the Republic of Ireland international.
He played a key role in Southampton's promotion to the Premier League under Russell Martin in 2023/24, but hamstring and calf issues have derailed his career and Smallbone is now seeking a lifeline to prove his fitness.
Darragh Lenihan
Could a romantic reunion be on the cards for Blackburn and Darragh Lenihan?
The Dunboyne defender joined Rovers as a teenager and made his first-team breakthrough at the club in 2015.
He was an instrumental figure under Mowbray at Blackburn, helping the club to reconsolidate in the Championship and receiving the captain's armband following the departure of Elliott Bennett.
His switch to Middlesbrough in 2022 didn't work out how many might have envisioned with the 32-year-old plagued by injuries during his time on Teesside.
He will be looking to prove his fitness, and Blackburn's lack of centre-back options present a timely opportunity.
Solly March
The availability of Solly March in September is a fascinating tale.
The exhilerating winger was on the comeback trail at the end of last season after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, only for Brighton to opt against extending his contract.
Crystal Palace and Rovers' rivals Burnley have been linked, and despite his prolonged injury setbacks, March would be an excellent coup for any Championship club providing he can stay fit.
Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew's career is on the decline but the Ghanaian would bring vast experience that could be beneficial to Mowbray's charges.
The winger arrived at Leicester City in 2024 following a fruitful five-year spell at Crystal Palace where he made 175 Premier League appearances for the Eagles. That followed stints with Swansea City and Aston Villa, with Ayew playing in over 400 top-flight matches across Ligue 1 and the Premier League.
His time at Leicester was ultimately a disaster as the Foxes suffered successive relegations, but Ayew will still feel he has plenty to offer, especially after appearing at the 2026 World Cup.
Jonathan Panzo
Another individual who could address Mowbray's limited options in central defence, Jonathan Panzo is available on a free following his release from Birmingham City.
The 25-year-old joined the Blues in January on a six-month contract and despite initially showing promise with a standout performance against Leeds United in the FA Cup, Panzo's performances deteriorated before he was eventually dropped by Chris Davies.
Capable of deputising at left-back, Panzo emerged through the Chelsea academy and spent three years at Nottingham Forest, where he was shipped out on loan to Coventry City and Cardiff City.
He was recently linked with a move to Belgian side OH Leuven, only for a deal to fall through.
