Valerien Ismael insists Blackburn Rovers will not rush to replace Callum Brittain, if he completes a move away, after signing Ryan Alebiosu.
The 27-year-old right-back refused to play in Rovers' pre-season win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday. He has been the subject of bids from Middlesbrough and Derby County, with the former his most likely destination.
It will be a massive blow if Brittain moves on after establishing himself as one of the best in his position across the division. However, with one year left on his deal, Rovers have little power to turn down offers that meet their valuation.
Ismael revealed the club do not plan to rush to replace him in the transfer market after signing Alebiosu last week. Instead, they will assess their options as the window continues.
READ MORE: Bradley Dack interview: Blackburn Rovers promotion and rejecting Championship offers
"We have already got a right-back, we've signed one already, so we are not in a rush at the minute," Ismael insisted.
"We are in a very good position. At least we have a player who is able to show some really good quality.
"He's a very promising player. Ryan is exactly the profile we need.
"He's tall, he's very, very fast. He's an attacking full-back. With all the potential we see in him, we know that we have to work with him.
"That is my job. This is what Blackburn Rovers is about, giving chances to young, promising players. We believe if we're we are able to get through the pre-season with him, we will enjoy the way he plays."
At the end of last season, Ismael insisted this summer would not be a huge overhaul for the squad. However, after losing Danny Batth, Andi Weimann and Tyrhys Dolan, the club have accelerated plans to rebuild their squad.
Rovers will target younger, athletic players, who can fit the style of play the head coach wants to implement.
"I think you see clearly now on the transfer market, we are in the transition," Ismael explained.
"We spoke after the last game in the season, we wanted to keep that stability in the squad to try to extend the players. We made offers but they chose another way.
"So now, our strategy is to go into the transition. We didn't expect to have that this summer but now it's time.
"We want to reduce of our players, we have a clear profile of player that we want. Young, very athletic, players who are very able to give us that intensity. Technically as well, to give us possibilities with the ball.
"At some point, it's ok to say, what shall we do now? Should we be chasing (contracts) or are we going to start with a transition period?
"That means new players in, new profiles of players. They need more time to adapt so the fans can enjoy the new players, our new signings. It takes time.
"We are choosing to be proactive. We are in a transition period, clearly. We know that until September 1, anything can happen due to the contract situation of some of our players."
Share