Jack Rodwell in talks with Blackburn over free transfer

Jack Rodwell is in talks with Blackburn over a free transfer to Ewood Park.

Rodwell's contract at Sunderland, which would have dropped from £73,000-a-week to £44,000 this season, was cancelled in June.

The 27-year-old has been training at his old club Everton this summer to stay fit and also had a trial at Watford.

Talks between Rodwell and Blackburn are at an early stage but Rovers boss Tony Mowbray is keen to sign the former England midfielder.

Rodwell moved to Sunderland in 2014 but endured four miserable seasons there, making just 76 first-team appearances.

He came through at Everton before making an abortive move to Manchester City in 2012, making only 25 appearances in two seasons.