Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth is expected to travel to Lincoln City for Tuesday night’s Championship fixture despite renewed interest from Celtic.
The Hungarian international faces an uncertain deadline day after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Ewood Park. Toth’s existing deal runs until 2027, leaving Blackburn open to selling him now if an interested club meets their valuation.
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Celtic have revived their pursuit of the 28-year-old ahead of the transfer window closing. The Scottish champions were heavily linked with Toth earlier in the summer, although their interest reportedly cooled following their elimination from the Champions League.
Celtic have yet to meet Blackburn’s asking price, but the possibility of a deadline-day departure remains. Tony Mowbray has previously suggested that Rovers should cash in on the goalkeeper rather than risk eventually losing him without receiving a fee.
Reports elsewhere had claimed that Toth had become unhappy in training and would not feature against the Imps as a consequence. However, sources close to Blackburn have denied those suggestions and indicated that the goalkeeper has continued to conduct himself professionally throughout the uncertainty.
Although there can be no guarantee that Toth will start at Sincil Bank, he is currently expected to travel with Mowbray’s squad on Monday. Events during deadline day are likely to determine whether he or Aynsley Pears begins the game between the posts.
Toth is reportedly relaxed about his immediate future and would be comfortable remaining with Blackburn for the final two years of his contract. He would also be open to leaving this summer if Rovers and Celtic can agree a suitable fee, but he is not expected to reconsider his decision to reject fresh terms.
The 28-year-old has established himself as an important figure for Blackburn since arriving from Hungarian side Fehérvár. His possible availability would provide Mowbray with a significant decision ahead of a difficult trip to face the League One champions.
Blackburn are already set to arrive at Sincil Bank with a depleted squad, making the continued uncertainty surrounding their goalkeeper another unwanted complication. However, unless Celtic make decisive progress before the deadline, Toth should be part of the travelling party and could line up against City on Tuesday night.
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