Bournemouth are trying to swoop in front of Rangers to sign Joe Rothwell from Blackburn Rovers, according to Football Insider.
The Gers were first credited with interest in Rothwell by the Scottish Sun in October, who claimed the Premiership champions were leading a multi-club race to snap up the Englishman.
As his current contract is running down, a pre-contract deal was mooted, and then later that month, Football League World reported that an agreement with the Gers was ‘almost certain’.
There’s been less chat about Rangers’ alleged interest recently, though, and now it’s been suggested that Ibrox may not be the midfielder’s next destination after all.
Football Insider reports that Bournemouth are primed to try to sign Rothwell now, by making a seven-figure bid.
The Cherries already beat off competition from a number of clubs for Ibrox-linked James Hill earlier this month and it seems like they’re trying to repeat the trick here.
Rothwell has featured in all 25 of Rovers’ Championship fixtures so far this season, scoring two goals and notching seven assists.
Could Bournemouth beat Rangers to Joe Rothwell?
Clearly, from a financial perspective, it would be better for Blackburn to receive a fee in the region of £1m for Rothwell now rather than losing him for nothing in the summer.
However, in reality, there’s more to it than that.
Bournemouth and Blackburn are currently rivals for promotion in the Championship, so would it not be counterproductive to sell one of your best players to the only team currently above you in the division?
Surely such a move would lead to a backlash from the club’s fans.
Therefore, Rangers shouldn’t give up hope of landing the 26-year-old on a pre-contract just yet.
Meanwhile, a Rangers Academy player has been snapped up on a surprise emergency loan deal.