Next up on 'Summer Scouting'; we take a look at Blackburn Rovers' options at full-back.
Callum Brittain
It is a crucial summer for Callum Brittain in his Rovers career. With one year left on his existing contract, it is time to stick or twist.
Blackburn remain in talks with the right-back to extend his contract and are hopeful of a positive outcome. However, if that doesn't materialise, they will have to sell him with his stock high.
Brittain enjoyed his best season at Ewood Park last term. He was runner-up in the Player of the Season vote and continues to improve. His output in attack has always been impressive but his defensive work has been enhanced.
The numbers show that he is now one of the best-attacking full-backs in the Championship. With one year left on his deal, that will surely attract interest.
The 27-year-old is entering his prime years and Rovers want them to be played out in Lancashire. Brittain enjoys working under Valerien Ismael and so if the finances are right, that could help grease the wheels for a new deal.
There will undoubtedly be interest in his services and so it's imperative Rovers are proactive to secure his future.
Joe Rankin-Costello
Joe Rankin-Costello's Rovers career could come to an end this summer. He has been unable to find the right role under the last two head coaches.
John Eustace tried the Academy graduate in central midfield but the return of Lewis Travis forced him out of that role. He was ineffective in a more advanced right-wing position and was left as Brittain's understudy for most of the campaign.
Having been left out of the final two matchday squads last term, JRC's future is unclear. Though it is worth remembering he was out in the cold two years ago under Jon Dahl Tomasson and finished the campaign as runner-up in the Player of the Year vote.
The truth is, nobody has been able to pin down his best role since. Tomasson liked his full-backs to invert and that suited JRC but it's a specific tactic that Ismael doesn't adopt.
For the good of his career, it may now be best for the defender to look for pasture's new
Yuri Ribeiro
The left side is far more covered with Yuri Ribeiro signing a long-term contract at the club. The Portuguese defender was a good piece of recruitment in the January transfer window.
He is quite similar to Harry Pickering in that he is a defensive-minded left-back. Both players are more conservative but very consistent and good on the ball.
Where Ribeiro differs is that he attacks more than Pickering, but usually with runs from deep to overlap. The 27-year-old times his bursts around the winger impressively which allows him to deliver crosses first time, on the run.
Ribeiro is very durable and reliable at Championship level. His experience with Nottingham Forest ensured he adapted quickly to life back in England and will likely be an important player for Ismael next term.
Harry Pickering
For the first time in his Rovers career, Pickering has major competition at left-back. Since signing from Crewe Alexandra, he has always been first choice.
Yet last season, Owen Beck proved to be impressive, though had a different skillset to Pickering. Ribeiro is more like-for-like which could pose a different and equally difficult challenge.
After losing three months to a knee injury, pre-season will be vital to earning the trust of Ismael and proving his quality. Like Ribeiro, he is durable, reliable and has lots of experience.
Pickering is a better passer of the ball than Ribeiro but probably less effective in the final third, though both are stronger defensively than offensively. With broadly similar skillsets, it will be an intriguing battle as to who gets the regular starting berth.
Looking from within
Leo Duru will return from his loan at Barrow where he impressed before getting injured. Having had a taste of first-team football, another League One/Two loan would probably be ideal.
Kristi Montgomery is a similar case. Though he played at right-back last term, he's been a midfielder for several years in the Academy. Ismael will have to decide what his best role is and whether there's room in the squad.
Brandon Powell made a few appearances in the matchday squad but with left-back locked down, Academy football or a loan move is most likely for him.
Jake Batty is out of contract but has been offered a new deal by Rovers. If he signs, the next step would be a loan up the pyramid after spending last season with Accrington Stanley.
Do Blackburn Rovers need to sign a full-back?
Yes, a right-back to compete with, hopefully not replace, Brittain is on the shopping list this summer. Head of Football, Rudy Gestede, told The LT In April that Rovers want more cover/competition for the key defender.
Cody Drameh is a player they have enquired about, though it's understood the Hull City man would be unlikely to join Rovers unless Brittain departed. Preston North End and Derby County are also interested with first-team football the priority for the player.
Left-back is locked off with Ribeiro and Pickering offered plenty of reliability and Championship experience in that role. If Batty pens fresh terms, he'd also be around the squad for pre-season, at least.
Who could they sign?
Premium: There's little argument to spend lots of a right-back if Brittain stays. If he was to be sold, though, they'd need a strong replacement.
Drameh would be good competition but would ultimately be a downgrade on Brittain. If they got decent money and could reinvest it, I'd go for Kaine Kesler-Hayden.
He would be an expensive option but has similar attacking qualities to Brittain. He's had two impressive Championship loans, most recently at Preston North End last season.
It's reported that Aston Villa are open to a sale with top-end Championship clubs looking. If Rovers got a windfall for Brittain, he'd be my top pick.
Bali Mumba would be an alternative name, who can play on both flanks and might be available after Plymouth Argyle were relegated.
Loan: However, it looks more likely that they need to recruit someone to push Brittain and so a loan works well. Harrison Ashby is a player that has interested Rovers in recent windows but spent last season with Queens Park Rangers. He won't be in the plans of his parent club, Newcastle United.
Free: Pol Valentin would be a good acquisition after leaving Sheffield Wednesday, though has been heavily linked with Preston. He is a similar profile to Brittain as an attacking option on the right.
Anfernee Dijksteel is another potential option after being released by Middlesbrough. He has lots of Championship experience though is more defensive-minded.
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