Blackburn Rovers: Potential barrier emerges in Derby County pursuit of John Eustace | OneFootball

Rovers aren't going to let Eustace go without a fight, amid interest from Derby.

Blackburn Rovers are ready to take a tough stance on John Eustace and will demand full compensation if he leaves the club, amid strong links with Derby County.

This is according to Alan Nixon, who believes the Rams will have to fork out a considerable amount to release Eustace from his contract at Ewood Park.

Eustace has done very well during his time in Lancashire - and his team are in with a real chance of securing a top-six finish at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Considering they only just stayed up on the last day of the previous season, Rovers have done an excellent job, and their manager has to take a considerable amount of credit for that.

His progress at Ewood Park has allowed him to attract interest from elsewhere in recent months, but at this stage, they have been able to keep hold of the 45-year-old.

However, there are still rumours about his future at this point, and it remains to be seen whether he will be in Lancashire for much longer.

To Blackburn's credit, they were able to get deals over the line for Yuri Ribeiro, Emmanuel Dennis and Cauley Woodrow over the line on deadline day, but Eustace may have been keen to have much of his winter business wrapped up a bit earlier.

Blackburn Rovers stance emerges as Derby County target John Eustace move

Rovers' Championship rivals Derby are currently on the prowl for a new manager after dismissing Paul Warne.

The Rams had been in a woeful run of form and probably needed to make a change in the dugout.

And it's believed Eustace is a key target for them, though Nixon has reported that Blackburn will make them pay a £750,000 compensation package if they want to lure the 45-year-old to Pride Park.

He is expected to take charge of Sunday afternoon's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it's unclear whether his long-term future remains in Lancashire.

His family is still based in the Midlands - and that could persuade Eustace to make the move to Derby.

But Rovers' compensation demands could be a problem for Rams owner David Clowes.

John Eustace could make Derby County move despite step down

With Eustace's family still in the Midlands, it wouldn't be a major surprise to see him take the vacancy at Derby.

It could be argued that it would be nonsensical for him to make the step down to the Rams, considering they are in a relegation battle at this stage.

But he will be keen to spend as much time with his family as possible - and with the 45-year-old becoming frustrated with Rovers' board - he may be keen to try his luck elsewhere.

It would be a shame if he did, because the Lancashire outfit have developed well under his guidance.