Former Blackburn Rovers transfer target Danny Batth has been released by Norwich City.

Rovers tried to sign the then-Sunderland centre-back last summer to bolster their defensive options. After weeks of negotiating, a deal couldn't be agreed.

The board had reservations about offering anything greater than a one-year deal to Batth, despite Jon Dahl Tomasson and Gregg Broughton's desire to add an experienced head in defence. The three-year deal offered to Daniel Ayala, on big wages, had been viewed as a warning.

Sunderland were open to letting Batth, who had one year left on his contract at the time, go for free. It was the length of the contract on offer that proved a stumbling block.

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Rovers instead signed James Hill on loan and went with four centre-backs to start the season. Kyle McFadzean, Connor O'Riordan and Billy Koumetio then signed in January with the need for cover evident.

Batth remained at Sunderland until the summer transfer deadline day where he joined Norwich on a one-year deal with the option of a second. However, he played a limited amount of minutes and has been released.

The 33-year-old only made 16 Championship appearances and will leave Carrow Road alongside Ben Gibson, Sam McCallum and Dimitris Giannoulis.

Rovers will not return for Batth with the club in talks to re-sign McFadzean for next season. The 37-year-old is the experienced defensive head the squad needs and if they move for a centre-back, as expected, it would be a young player.