After a successful season in League One, Tony Mowbray masterminded an instant return to the Championship for Blackburn Rovers. Here are three players they should sign on their return to the second tier.
Adam Armstrong, Newcastle United – Armstrong had a fantastic second half of the season on loan at Ewood Park after Tony Mowbray picked him up during the January transfer window. Mowbray had worked with the striker before at Coventry and hit similar form when he was at the Ricoh Arena. Armstrong hit 9 goals during his time with Rovers and Mowbray should look to sign him on a permanent deal. The 21 year old doesn’t appear to be in Rafa Benitez’s first team plans and he could be a key component in Blackburn’s Championship side.
Erhun Oztumer, Walsall – Oztumer has been nicknamed the ‘Turkish Messi’ by fans throughout League One due to his diminutive stature and direct playing style. Oztumer has had two fantastic years at the Bescot Stadium and his impressive performances have attracted the attention of a number of Championship managers. Oztumer was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year for this season after scoring 16 goals and assisting 8 for the struggling Saddlers. He’s out of contract this summer and could join Rovers on a free transfer.
Tom Bradshaw, Barnsley – After Barnsley’s relegation from the Championship, it is likely that Bradshaw will look for a way out of the club. He scored 12 goals last campaign but it wasn’t enough to keep the Reds up. Rovers will need goals to keep them up next season and the Welsh international has proved he can do it in the second tier. He would provide strong competition for a starting spot up front and could be the man to preserve their place in the second tier.
