Blackburn are said to be ready to offer Jon McLaughlin a contract, rivalling the one on the table from Sunderland.
McLaughlin was last week one of three players offered new deals by Sunderland, with five others released.
But the Scottish international goalkeeper, who has been one of Sunderland's key players in the past two seasons, is yet to sign the deal offered by Sunderland and will be free to sign elsewhere as of July 1 (next Wednesday).
According to the Daily Mail, Blackburn, long-time admirers of the 32-year-old, are now ready to put their own offer on the table to rival Sunderland's.
Last season McLaughlin expressed his desire to remain at the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland were believed to have been a long way from matching his wage demands at that time.
They have offered improved terms in a last-ditch attempt to keep him at the club, but Blackburn's interest has been known and he will be free to discuss terms with them once his Sunderland deal officially expires next week.
Sunderland remain hopeful McLaughlin resist the lure of a Championship move and will sign the new deal, but are monitoring the market for potential replacements should their number one decide to move on.
Should McLaughlin depart, it will be the fifth time in his career that he has moved under the Bosman free rule.
