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.
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.
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.
Leeds United lack depth and quality in the ‘number eight’ position following the departures of Glen Kamara and Archie Gray, but the Whites should look to beat Coventry City and Stoke City to the punch with Alvyn Sanches.
Kamara leaves with big boots to fill. There is no doubt that he will be a loss from the squad after he started 33 of the 37 league games he featured in, which meant that he played more minutes in the heart of Leeds’ midfield than any other player in the squad.
Not only that, but his performances were crucial in a number of big games last year, including the semi-final of the play-offs against Norwich City and the 3-1 victory over Leicester City in February. However, a 28-year-old being sold for serious profit is hard to deny as good business for Leeds, despite how crucial the Finn was at times last year for Farke and co.
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