Exclusive: Blackburn want to sign exit-bound Bristol City star in summer raid

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Credit: Imago Blackburn Rovers want to sign Mark Sykes with Bristol City exit already in motion Thu 23 April 2026 19:30, UK Mark Sykes is being eyed by Championship clubs Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic, sources have told Football Insider.The Bristol City star is set to leave Ashton Gate on a free transfer in the summer, when his contract expires.The 28-year-old winger has been at the Robins since 2022, and is capable of playing on both flanks, as well as a central midfielder.So far this season, he has made 40 appearances in all competitions for Bristol City, scoring four times and collecting one assist.Now, Blackburn will look to win the race to Sykes’ signature after they successfully survived the Championship relegation battle this week.Who is Mark Sykes?Sykes has been a solid player in the EFL for almost a decade. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The 28-year-old previously played for Glenavon in Northern Ireland before making the switch to Oxford United in 2019.Mark Sykes fact filePlace of birth Belfast, North IrelandAge28HeightSix footClubs played forGlenavon, Oxford United, Bristol CityHonours Irish Cup x1Sykes has had a solid career to dateAt the U’s, the winger quickly established himself as a star player and made 135 appearances for the club until he departed in 2022.After leaving Oxford United when his contract expired, he signed for Bristol City, where he has continued to impress and played a crucial role in the club reaching the playoffs last season.His form has also seen him become a Republic of Ireland international, with Sykes boasting seven caps to date since making his debut in 2022.How good is Sykes?In the Championship, Sykes has proven himself to be a solid player.According to Fotmob on 23 April, he is averaging 0.17 goals, 0.89 shots, a 0.12 xA and a 0.06 xG per 90 minutes this season.Mark Sykes’ Championship stats this seasonPer 90 minutesGoals 0.17Shots0.89xA0.12xG0.06Recoveries 5.08Tackles 1.61Interceptions0.59Sykes has some solid stats this seasonOn top of this, he also has some solid defensive stats, making on average 5.08 recoveries, 1.61 tackles and 0.59 interceptions per game.As a result, it is clear that Sykes is able to have a solid influence on both the attacking and defensive side of things.Therefore, it is easy to see why not only Blackburn, but Preston and Charlton are pursuing his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.However, it remains to be seen who is able to get the deal over the line, with plenty of twists and turns expected over the coming months. 🏆 Championship Insider Access Get the full story from across the EFL with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from across the EFL Championship.