Blackburn Rovers enter the Middlesbrough transfer race alongside Burnley as contract update emerges.

Blackburn Rovers and Burnley could find themselves battling both on and off the pitch this summer after reports linked the Lancashire rivals with a move for Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry.

The two clubs are preparing to renew their historic East Lancashire rivalry in the Championship next season after experiencing very different endings to the 2025/26 campaign. While Burnley once again fell short of maintaining their place in the Premier League, Blackburn were focused on preserving their Championship status following a difficult season that threatened to end in relegation.

As preparations begin for another demanding second-tier campaign, both clubs are already assessing potential transfer targets. One player who has emerged on their radar is long-serving Middlesbrough centre-back and captain Dael Fry, whose future at the Riverside Stadium remains uncertain as contract negotiations continue.

Championship Rivals Preparing for a Busy Summer

Burnley are expected to be among the promotion favourites next season, alongside recently relegated sides such as West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, uncertainty still surrounds the managerial situation at Turf Moor, leaving questions about how the club will approach the transfer market.

Blackburn, meanwhile, are looking to build momentum after narrowly avoiding a relegation battle that at one stage appeared likely to end with a drop into League One. The appointment of Michael O’Neill on an interim basis helped steady the ship, allowing the club to secure survival and finish the season in 20th position.

The club has since made a significant managerial appointment by bringing back Tony Mowbray on a long-term contract. Mowbray’s return has generated optimism among supporters, and attention has quickly turned to potential transfer business ahead of the new season.

Dael Fry Attracting Interest

According to recent reports, Blackburn are among several clubs monitoring Fry’s situation at Middlesbrough. The defender could become available if negotiations over a new contract fail to produce an agreement.

Fry’s connection to Middlesbrough runs deep. A graduate of the club’s academy, he has spent virtually his entire professional career with Boro apart from a temporary spell at Rotherham United. Over the years, he has established himself as a key figure within the squad and currently serves as club captain.

The 28-year-old made 34 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign under managers Rob Edwards and Kim Hellberg. Despite injury challenges and competition for places at times, Fry remained an important member of the squad as Middlesbrough reached the Championship play-off final before suffering heartbreak at Wembley.

His leadership qualities, experience and connection to the club have made him a respected figure among supporters, which is why Middlesbrough remain hopeful that an agreement can still be reached.

Burnley Also Monitoring the Situation

Blackburn are not alone in their admiration of Fry. Their fierce rivals Burnley have also been credited with interest in the defender.

The Clarets could be forced into defensive changes if larger clubs pursue highly rated French centre-back Maxime Esteve. As a result, Burnley are believed to be considering potential replacements, with Fry viewed as an attractive option thanks to his Championship experience and leadership credentials.

A move to either Lancashire club would represent a major change for a player who has spent the majority of his career on Teesside. However, at this stage, no decision has been made regarding his future.

Middlesbrough Still Hopeful

Despite growing interest from elsewhere, Middlesbrough have not given up hope of retaining their captain.

Reports suggest the club recently presented Fry with an improved contract offer as negotiations continue. While discussions have not yet resulted in an agreement, Middlesbrough officials are believed to remain optimistic that a positive outcome can be reached before the end of June.

Fry has previously expressed his commitment to the club and his desire to help Middlesbrough achieve promotion to the Premier League. That ambition became even stronger after the disappointment of losing the Championship play-off final, a defeat that denied Boro a return to the top flight.

For that reason, many within the club believe there is still a realistic possibility that the defender will remain at the Riverside Stadium.

Financial Factors Could Influence the Outcome

One factor potentially affecting negotiations is Fry’s current salary.

Reports indicate that the defender is not among Middlesbrough’s highest earners despite his status as captain and one of the club’s longest-serving players. Estimates suggest his wages are lower than several key teammates, a situation that may need to be addressed if the club hopes to secure his long-term future.

As rival clubs monitor developments, the outcome of contract talks could become increasingly important over the coming weeks.

More Uncertainty for Middlesbrough

The situation surrounding Fry is not the only issue facing Middlesbrough this summer. Midfielder Hayden Hackney, who enjoyed an outstanding season and was widely regarded as one of the Championship’s best performers, is also attracting strong interest from elsewhere.

Premier League clubs, including Everton, have been linked with the talented midfielder, creating further uncertainty around the core of Kim Hellberg’s squad.

With pre-season approaching, Middlesbrough face the prospect of losing two of their most influential players if agreements cannot be reached. Such departures would represent a significant challenge for Hellberg as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge.

For now, however, the focus remains on Fry and whether Middlesbrough can convince their captain to stay. Interest from Blackburn Rovers and Burnley is growing, but Boro remain determined to keep one of their most important figures at the club.