It is an age old problem clubs face with players: a drop in performance once transfer rumours begin to circulate. 

Unfortunately for Blackburn, they are enduring that very problem currently, as The Rovers have only managed one win from their past six games. This is in stark contrast to a spell earlier in the season, whereby the club only lost one game in seven in the Championship.

What is most curious about this slump that the club are enduring is that it can roughly be correlated to the increase in transfer speculation regarding midfielder Bradley Dack. The 24-year-old made a blistering start to the season, but his form has petered out in recent weeks.

Perhaps it is unfair to blame Blackburn's slump solely on Dack, as, after all, he has still played well despite the team losing. However, his performances in the recent losses will be a concern for manager Tony Mowbray. He was largely anonymous in Rovers' latest loss to Wigan, and looked a shell of the elusive player he was earlier in the season.

Now this could be because he has become a marked man. Teams will obviously focus on shutting Dack down, knowing that he is the attacking heartbeat of the team. However, this could also be related to the rumours of his departure. He may well have lost heart, as he expects to be gone from Ewood Park in the near future. Sometimes, a player's form is the clearest indication of where their future lies, and Dack is not being particularly subtle.