Blackburn Rovers rival Burnley in chase for Middlesbrough target after new contract development

After enduring wildly contrasting ends to the 2025/26 campaign, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley are set to renew the fierce East Lancashire derby in the Championship next season.

While Burnley suffered relegation from the Premier League after spending two of the last three seasons in the top flight, Blackburn narrowly avoided a disastrous drop into League One following a turbulent campaign at Ewood Park.

The Clarets are still yet to confirm who will lead them into another demanding 46-game Championship season, where they are expected to challenge fellow relegated sides West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers for an immediate return to the Premier League. Blackburn, meanwhile, continued a frustrating trend of inconsistency, slipping from outside play-off contention into a battle for survival.

Relegation fears loomed large for Rovers until interim boss Michael O’Neill steadied the ship following his arrival in February, combining duties at Ewood Park with his role as Northern Ireland manager. Despite an improved finish, Blackburn ended the season in 20th place.

A new era officially began on Friday when Tony Mowbray sealed an emotional return to Ewood Park, signing a long-term contract for a second spell in charge.

And it appears the experienced boss is already eyeing reinforcements from familiar territory.

According to reports, Blackburn have entered the race to sign Middlesbrough captain Dael Fry on a potential free transfer, joining local rivals Burnley in pursuit of the experienced defender.

Mowbray’s ties to Middlesbrough are well known, having represented and managed his hometown club, while Fry has followed a similar path as a Boro academy graduate and current captain.

The 28-year-old centre-back has spent almost his entire career at the Riverside Stadium, aside from a brief loan spell at Rotherham United, making 296 appearances for the club, including 34 during the 2025/26 campaign under Rob Edwards and Kim Hellberg.

Despite mounting interest, Middlesbrough remain hopeful of reaching an agreement over a new deal, with Fry still believed to be eager to help his boyhood club finally secure a long-awaited Premier League return after the heartbreak of losing the Championship play-off final to Hull City at Wembley.

Burnley, however, are also keeping close tabs on Fry as uncertainty continues to surround highly-rated defender Maxime Esteve, who is attracting growing transfer interest.