Blackburn Rovers are closing in on another addition alongside Lewis Miller with Valerien Ismael also confirming the exit of Callum Brittain.
Only the final pieces of paperwork are left to be completed before both Rovers and Middlesbrough announce new right-back additions. Brittain did not travel with the team to the Netherlands as he is on Teesside completing the final parts of his move.
Similarly, Rovers’ deal to bring in Hibernian right-back Lewis Miller is all but complete too. The defender should be a Blackburn player before the weekend ends.
However, Ismael also revealed that another incoming is close at Ewood Park. Rovers are still looking to add to their forward line with a right-winger and attacking midfielder targeted.
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The head coach expects the unnamed signing to be complete before their Championship opener against West Brom.
“I think what this shows is having this money is not a bad thing for us,” he exclusively told The Lancashire Telegraph when asked if the Brittain money would be available to spend.
“We work on other deals without counting on that money (from Brittain). But it gives us the freedom on the market and in our negotiations to be strong.
“The board made it clear on that point. Now it is about getting deals done.
“We have another deal that is closer (alongside Miller). I am hopeful that will be done before West Brom.”
Rovers have reluctantly accepted an offer from Boro for Brittain, ending his three-year spell at the club. Whilst the board are happy with the fee recouped, they would’ve obviously preferred to retain his services.
His contract situation meant that Rovers were backed into a corner, somewhat. That is something they must learn from, Ismael admits.
“Callum has gone, it was a little bit emotional preparing for this week,” Ismael said.
“He left yesterday and everyone was giving farewell to Callum because he’s a special player and a special human being. We felt emotional yesterday, and I think that reflected the game today.
“We knew from a few weeks ago that he was going to leave, it was a question of time, respect and attitude. I think we stayed strong with our position and we made it clear what we wanted.
“We made a good deal but we missed the chance to extend Callum before my time. I think if we made the same offer one year ago, we wouldn’t have been in that situation.
“We are still dealing with situations from the past. Now we have a clear line internally, we tried everything to keep him. The club made a big offer but he took his decision and we have to accept that.
“Now we must ensure that if a player is going out, it’s because it is our decision and not because we missed the opportunity to extend the contract.”
“That is football and we must move on and focus on the next week before West Brom.”
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