Blackburn Rovers have suffered a huge blow after learning that their deal to land striker Duncan McGuire from Orlando City has collapsed, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It was confirmed yesterday that the Lancashire-based club had won the race to secure the services of the USA international for a fee of £2.3 million. Manager Jon Dahl Tomasson had been keen to bring in a new attacker to aid his ailing side, who have slipped to 18th in the Championship after a run of seven games without a win.
The 22-year-old appeared to be the answer to their problems, having bagged 13 goals in 29 MLS appearances last season for Orlando.
Rovers also learned yesterday that Luton Town were considering a late swoop for attacker Tyrhys Dolan, who has recently returned from a knee injury which he suffered in November.
As for McGuire, a move to the Championship remains on the cards, with Romano stating that relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday have now entered into talks with the USA international. The Owls were linked with the player earlier in the transfer window and are also keen to bolster their attacking options before the window closes.
🔵 Sheffield Wednesday are now back in talks to sign Duncan McGuire after Blackburn deal collapsed.
Discussions will follow with Orlando City in the next hours. pic.twitter.com/VTKCrnqmcZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2024
Wednesday are prepared to sanction the exits of both Michael Smith and Lee Gregory, with League One title-chasers Derby County interested in taking at least one off their hands. Danny Rohl’s team are the lowest scorers in the division with just 22 goals in 29 games and know they need to find the net more often if they are to avoid the drop to the third tier.
The South Yorkshire outfit face a relegation six-pointer on Saturday when they take on fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium. The manager will be hoping that he has a player with the capabilities of McGuire to call upon before making the short trip across the county.
Writer’s View
This is a blow for Blackburn, as they need to recover from their recent poor form to pull away from a potential relegation dog fight. It is believed that it was the 1995 Premier League champions who pulled out of the deal, indicating that they may be more concerned about losing a player such as Tyrhys Dolan.
Still, Blackburn’s loss is Sheffield Wednesday’s gain and Danny Rohl will be delighted if he can get this deal over the line. McGuire is a player capable of being the difference maker. Could his goals help fire the Owls to safety?
