Battle for Brittain reaches impasse

CALLUM Brittain has returned to training with Blackburn Rovers as he awaits permission to formally speak to Middlesbrough over a much-mooted summer transfer.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

The attack-minded right-back is Boro’s current main target to fill the gap in the squad on the right side of their defence, having excelled in recent seasons at Blackburn.

With just one year remaining on his Rovers deal, he has rejected a new contract offer and has made clear his desire to pursue other opportunities, with Boro believed to be his preferred destination ahead of Derby County.

There was hope of some progress over the weekend when Brittain was left out of Blackburn's squad for a friendly with Accrington Stanley. Head coach Valerien Ismael claimed he refused to play.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, the Frenchman, who managed Brittain at Barnsley, was understanding of the 27-year-old’s situation and offered him a few days off in the hope negotiations between the two clubs would progress.