Blackburn Rovers release 16 players at end of contracts

Blackburn have announced their retained list, with defender Ryan Edwards among 16 players leaving Ewood Park.

Centre-back Jack O'Connell, who spent last season on loan at Rochdale, is one of six youngsters offered new deals.

Midfielder David Dunn and full-back Markus Olsson are the only two senior players out of contract this summer.

Their futures are still being discussed, although they are entitled to speak to other clubs as they are over the age of 24.

Edwards, a former captain of Blackburn's youth team, did not make a first-team appearance for Rovers, but had loan spells with Tranmere, Chesterfield and Morecambe last season.

Also leaving the Championship club is New Zealand international midfielder Tim Payne, another young player who failed to break into Gary Bowyer's senior side.

The remaining players not offered new deals are William Beesley, Robbie Cotton, Huge Fernandez Molina, Deniz Pero, Aaron Tumwa, Matthew Unwin, and scholars Jordan Anderson, Thomas Brown, William Butterwick, Callum Harris, Thomas Paul, Yeray Torres Martinez, Ian Vicars and Brice Wassi.