Rangers have been targeting a deal for Blackburn Rovers ace Joe Rothwell – and Bournemouth have now pulled out of a move to sign him today.
Back in October, TEAMtalk report that Rangers were confident of securing the signing of Rothwell on a pre-contract agreement in January.
That was under Steven Gerrard though, and he has since left Rangers for a move to Aston Villa.
January is almost over and Rangers haven’t secured Rothwell, whose Blackburn contract expires at the end of the season.
Lancs Live claim that Bournemouth had taken the opportunity to swoop in, agreeing a £3.5million deal to sign Rothwell.
However, that report claims that Bournemouth have now scrapped the deal and will instead focus on signing Cardiff City striker Kieffer Moore.
Blackburn didn’t want to sell Rothwell as they push for promotion themselves, but £3.5million for a player who can leave for free in a matter of months? That’s a very enticing offer.
Bournemouth are busy on deadline but it now looks like Rothwell won’t be one of their many signings.
Where does that leave Rangers? They have already secured a pre-contract agreement with Hearts defender John Souttar.
Rangers aren’t afraid to do those kind of deals, and Rothwell should be a very appealing option for the Gers.
Amad Diallo is only on loan from Manchester United and with Scott Wright struggling, another wide player is needed this summer.
Rothwell, 27, is an outstanding dribbler. Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has even called Rothwell’s dribbling ‘amazing’.
With three goals and seven assists this season, Rothwell has been a creative force for Rovers in their superb season.
Rangers can now sign Rothwell for absolutely nothing with Bournemouth pulling out of a £3.5million deal, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ross Wilson make his move soon.
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