‘Big step down in quality’ – Newcastle United set sights on Blackburn Rovers player: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Newcastle United have set their sights on Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan, as per a report from TEAMtalk. 

The report states that the Magpies are one of five Premier League clubs interested in a move for Blackburn’s captain, with Aston Villa, Everton, Leeds United and Wolves also in pursuit.

Lenihan has played a full 90 minutes in all but two league games for the Lancashire club this season, once again proving to be a vital component in Tony Mowbray’s side.

Born in Dunboyne, Ireland, Lenihan joined Rovers back in 2011, progressing with the academy before cementing himself as a regular starter and integral member of the squad.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding this potential deal…

Ben Wignall

Considering what Newcastle have been linked with recently, this would be a big step down in quality all things considered.

It’s gone from the likes of Diego Carlos and James Tarkowski to Dan Burn and now to Lenihan being linked – and I could see the Ireland international being nothing more than a player that provides a bit of depth.

Newcastle’s current centre-back options aren’t the greatest and Lenihan is having a very good season for Blackburn in the Championship so it’s understandable as to why he’s getting Premier League interest.

However for where Newcastle want to be in a few years time I could just see him getting lost in the shuffle very quickly.

I could see Lenihan fitting in at a Norwich or a Watford or someone of that ilk but if I was him I would be seeing my