John Eustace favourite Dion Sanderson has been told he is free to leave Birmingham City.
The defender has been left out of the squad that will travel to the Blues’ pre-season tour to Portugal as they prepare for their return to the Championship.
Sanderson’s current deal at St Andrew’s has two years remaining, but Blues will be eager to offload him, given that he is not part of Chris Davies’ plans.
And that could put Derby on red alert given Sanderson has previously been a trusted lieutenant of Rams head coach John Eustace.
The Rams chief was also the assistant at QPR when Sanderson enjoyed a loan spell at Loftus Road.
Derby have already been linked with a move for the centre-back who also has experience of playing right-back.
The 25-year-old made 12 appearances at Rovers as they just missed out on the playoffs and when asked about his future he was unsure what lied in store.
Sanderson told RoversTV: “I’m not too sure if I’m honest, it’s the first time I can say it’s a bit up in the air. I’ll just have to wait and see.
“In my off-season I will be working anyway so whatever happens I’ll be ready for. I can see myself coming back here (Blackburn) and watching a game or two. The time I spent here has been great for me.”
When Sanderson signed for Rovers back in January, he said Eustace was the main reason for him putting pen to paper.
He said at the time: “The gaffer and the staff are people I’ve obviously worked for in the past.
“We’ve had many great memories together.
“I had him at QPR when he was the assistant and I got on really well with him. He went to Birmingham City as manager and ended up giving me a ring.
“He asked if I wanted to play football and I said: ‘Sure, I want that’. Every game I played under him was great and I have nothing but good memories from playing for him.
“He’s a great manager to play under, his staff are class and there’s a real desire and hunger from him for the supporters and the club, which I’ve seen that he has here as well.”
