Blackburn Rovers ‘hoping’ to recruit former Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough man
A product of Chelsea’s academy, Baker found himself trapped in the loan system as he was sent out repeatedly without being given opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Three of his loan stints were in Yorkshire, as he first joined Wednesday before later representing Middlesbrough and Leeds. He finally left Chelsea in 2022, sealing a permanent move to Stoke City.
He has since amassed 90 appearances for the Potters and struck 19 goals, although reports in January suggested the club were open to offers for him. Baker was in and out of the Stoke starting XI last term after recovering from a serious knee injury.
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According to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon page, Rovers boss John Eustace is a big admirer of the former England youth international. It is thought Eustace would love to have Baker on board if the funds can be raised, while the club could potentially be open to a swap deal.
Baker is renowned for his technical prowess and could potentially bring some calm to the Rovers midfield. As a set-piece specialist, he could also add plenty of goals and assists.
During his time at Chelsea, the midfielder had mixed fortunes across his loan spells. While he shone for the likes of Milton Keynes Dons and Vitesse, he found opportunities limited at Leeds and slid down the pecking order at Middlesbrough.
read more: Portsmouth, Millwall and Blackburn Rovers target 24-year-old attacker
Portsmouth, Millwall and Blackburn Rovers are interested in a move for Luton Town attacker John McAtee, as detailed in a report by HITC Sport.
The Championship trio have all joined the race for the signature of the Luton Town man this summer. He has returned to Kenilworth Road for pre-season following his loan spell at Barnsley last season in League One.
McAtee, 24, was given the green light to spend the whole of the last campaign at Oakwell and was a hit during his time in South Yorkshire. He scored 13 goals in 40 games all competitions for the Tykes to help them reach the play-offs.
In this latest update regarding his future in this window, HITC Sport claim Portsmouth, Millwall and Blackburn Rovers are all keen on a swoop for him. However, the player seems to be a man in-demand with Plymouth Argyle, Wrexham, Derby County and Bolton Wanderers also mentioned as potential suitors.
