Blackburn Rovers have now registered their interest in signing a “pacey” £15,000-a-week ace who would replace Callum Brittain, according to a new report.
Derby agree deal to sign Callum Brittain from Blackburn
Rovers have already seen some big-name players leave Ewood Park in this transfer window, as Joe Rankin-Costello, Tyrhys Dolan, Andreas Weimann, Dilan Markanday, and Danny Batth have all left on free transfers, and now, while it may not be a free, another key individual looks set for a move away.
Derby County agree £3m deal to sign "real leader" who Eustace knows well
Derby County have moved a step closer to reuniting John Eustace with a player he has worked with before.
ByBrett WorthingtonJul 23, 2025
EFL Analysis’ Graeme Bailey revealed earlier this week that Derby had agreed a deal with Blackburn to sign Brittain. Rovers placed a £3 million asking price on the defender’s head, and the Rams have agreed to pay that, including add-ons.
However, they are not the only side chasing the fullback, as Middlesbrough have already seen a bid rejected and are now expected to match Derby’s offer, meaning it will be down to the player where his future lies.
Brittain has been at the Lancashire side since 2022 and has been a key performer for the club in his three years there. However, with his time now coming to an end, Rovers are having to look at possible replacements for the defender.
Blackburn register interest in signing a £15k-p/w ace
According to EFL Analysis, Graeme Bailey, Blackburn are now keen on signing Bali Mumba from League One side Plymouth Argyle.
Bailey has revealed that Rovers have let their interest be known with an initial enquiry, but they could face competition from Boro, who looked at signing Mumba back in January.
Bailey said: “Plymouth want to keep hold of him, though. So again, unless someone comes up with the money there, it won’t necessarily be easy to get him out.
“But I’ve heard he’s wanted by Blackburn as well, maybe to replace Brittain. There are a few options for Mumba.”
It is unclear how much the Pilgrims would be looking to get for Mumba, but the versatile defender is under contract until 2027, so they are not under pressure to sell in this transfer window. The 23-year-old, who has been dubbed “pacey” by former manager Daniel Farke, has made a good impression in the last two Championship seasons despite Plymouth’s struggles, as he scored three goals and recorded five assists in 86 games combined.
Mumba
Brittain
Apps
43
33
Starts
37
30
Goals
0
2
Progressive carries
66
63
Progressive passes
121
90
Progressive runs
102
141
Shots per 90
0.58
0.61
Passes attempted
1465
1562
Passes completed
1156
1209
Tackles (won)
84 (55)
56 (34)
Blocks
31
36
Clearances
90
129
Since joining Plymouth, Mumba, who earns a weekly wage of £15,000, has been very impressive in the EFL, as in their 2022/23 League One campaign, where they earned promotion, Mumba scored six goals and registered seven assists. The fact he can operate anywhere across the back four as well as in midfield adds more appeal, as Blackburn look to strengthen in a few areas of the pitch.
