Opinion: Even if key contract is secured, Blackburn Rovers should still look to strengthen this position in the summer

It seems that Blackburn Rovers are not giving up hope in their attempt to secure a new contract for Darragh Lenihan just yet.

The centre back and club captain, who recently made his 250th appearance for the club, sees his current deal expire in just a few week’s time.

Given discussions have been ongoing for some time, and with a number of Premier League clubs having been linked with the Irishman, it had seemed likely that he would be on the move this summer.

However, recent reports have revealed that Blackburn are still in talks over a new deal for their captain, and are hopeful of reaching a positive conclusion.

But while having Lenihan back out on the Ewood Park on a regular basis next season would undoubtedly be a major boost for the club, it does not mean that they should not be considering adding another centre back to their ranks for the 2022/23 campaign.

With Blackburn’s 2021/22 Player of the Year, Jan Paul van Hecke, set to return to parent club Brighton this summer after a hugely successful campaign at Ewood Park – that could lead to first-team chances for him on the south coast – Rovers’ senior central defensive options other than Lenihan – if he stays – are Scott Wharton, Hayden Carter and Daniel Ayala.

While both Wharton and Carter are undoubtedly hugely promising young options in that area, both are still at relatively early stages of their careers, at 24 and 22-years-old respectively.

Ayala meanwhile, has been hampered by injuries throughout his time at Ewood Park, managing just 31 Championship appearances in just two seasons since joining the club.

As a result, when you add in the fact that Carter’s future at the club may be somewhat uncertain, with Portsmouth seemingly desperate to bring him back to