Rovers have looked at Sunderland defender Danny Batth as a potential experienced option to replace Daniel Ayala.

Director of football Gregg Broughton outlined Rovers’ plan to fill the void left by the 32-year-old Spaniard whose three-year deal came to an end last month.

Batth’s name came on the radar two weeks ago, and the defender would fit the bill having amassed 300 Championship appearances across his career.

While nothing has progressed since, it is understood that the Black Cats would be open to a deal should Rovers want to press ahead with a move.

Rovers are looking at experienced options in that position following the departure of Ayala, but they still have a strong quartet on the books in player of the season Dom Hyam and homegrown trio Hayden Carter, Scott Wharton and Ash Phillips.

The club will be keen to ensure the pathway to first-team football remains open for teenager Phillips, while Carter emerged as a standout performer in the second half of the season and will be keen to continue his partnership with Hyam.

While the club aren’t against a young average age, Broughton was mindful of the lack of experience in the Rovers squad, particularly since the exits of Ayala and Bradley Dack.

Craig Cathcart had been mentioned as a potential option since leaving Watford, while Axel Tuanzebe, albeit just 25-years-old, has also been touted as a possible free agent move. However, interest in neither of the pair has been confirmed. 

Rovers are in the market for free transfers and loans, but are unlikely to use up a loan spot in that position given the options already at their disposal and the planned move for experience.

Batth clocked up 42 appearances for Sunderland in 2022/23 and was named as supporters’ player of the season.

He has played 54 times in all for the club since signing in January 2022.

That was initially on an 18-month deal from Stoke City, but a one-year option has since been triggered, with Batth now under contract until 2024.

While Batth isn’t a free agent, it is understood that Sunderland would unlikely hold out for a fee, which would otherwise be a barrier to a deal.

The Black Cats have added two defenders to their ranks this summer, bringing in Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt as they look to go one better than last season’s play-off finish.

It remains to be seen whether the departure of Bailey Wright, whose contract was ended via mutual consent, would have any impact on the availability of Batth, however.

Batth played for Sunderland in Rovers’ 2-0 win over the Black Cats in October, but missed the Boxing Day fixture at the Stadium of Light that the hosts won 2-1.