Blackburn Rovers are reportedly considering a loan move for former Lincoln City goalkeeper Alex Palmer, with any approach dependent upon Balazs Toth completing a transfer to Celtic.
Toth’s future has become a significant issue for Blackburn ahead of Tuesday night’s visit to the ProAmpac Stadium. Celtic have revived their interest in the Hungarian international, who has rejected the offer of a new contract at Ewood Park.
According to Rovers Paper, Blackburn are ready to approach Ipswich Town about taking Palmer on loan if an agreement is reached for Toth to join Celtic. However, Rovers are not said to be rushing into a sale and will only allow their current goalkeeper to leave if a suitable deal is agreed.
That leaves Blackburn’s goalkeeping situation uncertain ahead of their game against the Imps. Toth is due to travel with the squad, although events before the transfer deadline could determine whether he or Aynsley Pears starts at Sincil Bank. Palmer could sign today, but wouldn’t be available for a sensational Sincil Bank return at such short notice.
He is currently with Ipswich, having joined them from West Bromwich Albion in February 2025. He was previously linked with Wrexham earlier this summer, with reports placing his value at approximately £3.5 million, but Blackburn’s interest is understood to concern a loan rather than a permanent transfer.
The 29-year-old remains well known to City supporters following his season at Sincil Bank during the 2020/21 campaign. Palmer arrived on loan from West Brom alongside Callum Morton and immediately established himself as Michael Appleton’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He played in all 46 of our League One fixtures as City mounted an unexpected promotion challenge and finished fifth. Palmer also featured during the play-offs, in which the Imps defeated Sunderland over two legs before losing to Blackpool in the final at Wembley.
Palmer made 58 appearances across all competitions during his time with City. After returning to West Brom, he eventually became their regular Championship goalkeeper and shared the division’s Golden Glove with Leeds United’s Illan Meslier following the 2023/24 season.
His move to Ipswich gave him an opportunity to play in the Premier League, with his debut coming against Aston Villa in February 2025. Palmer later made ten Championship appearances as Ipswich secured promotion last season.
There are several stages which must be completed before a move to Blackburn can happen. Celtic must first reach an agreement for Toth, after which Rovers would need to secure suitable terms with Ipswich and Palmer. All of that would need to happen between now and 11 pm, potentially during our clash with Rovers.
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