Blackburn Rovers players are reportedly unhappy under new manager Paul Ince’s reign, prompting fears of a mass exodus.

The former Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder, 40, took over the Ewood Park hot-seat earlier in the summer after Mark Hughes left for Manchester City, without having any experience of managing a top-flight club.

The Daily Mail reports: 'Some players have been less than enthusiastic about Ince's approach to training, which is said to vary drastically from Hughes' meticulous, scientific method, while others have complained that the former Manchester United midfielder is too egotistical.'

In such a scenario, the rival Premiership clubs could be emboldened in their pursuit of their transfer targets, striker Roque Santa Cruz and full-back Stephen Warnock being two most notable players who are being eyed by several clubs.

Hughes’ City are said to be keen on Santa Cruz, who is also linked with Manchester United and Tottenham; while Newcastle are looking to capture Warnock.