Significant update provided on Blackburn Rovers man’s potential move to AFC Bournemouth

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell is set to miss out on a move to Championship side AFC Bournemouth, with this deal now off according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

The 27-year-old has been instrumental in the Lancashire outfit’s success this term, recording three goals and seven assists and providing to be an influential figure in the middle of the park alongside teammate Lewis Travis.

However, he was left out of Rovers’ matchday squad against Luton Town at the weekend, increasing speculation about his future. And manager Tony Mowbray revealed he was left at home due to the fact the midfielder wanted to speak to other clubs.

AFC Bournemouth were the English side thought to be in pole position to land his signature despite previous interest from Scottish Premiership champions Rangers when Steven Gerrard was in charge.

However, MLS outfit Chicago Fire also came in with a $4.5m bid, an offer that was rejected according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

As per Football Insider, an agreement had finally been struck with the Cherries yesterday afternoon with the midfielder thought to be heading to the Vitality Stadium in a deal reported to be in the region of £3m.

But as per talkSPORT reporter Crook, that move is definitely off now and he looks set to remain at Ewood Park unless the state of play changes, with the club’s owners desperate to retain their most integral assets.

The Verdict:

Although it was known a while ago that Blackburn’s shareholders wanted to retain their best players, a move to Bournemouth looked all but certain yesterday with the midfielder missing out on the matchday squad at the weekend.

However, this transfer now looks impossible for Rothwell and he will need to perform well to have any chance of