Exclusive: Blackburn Rovers eyeing move for Brentford player | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are keen on taking Brentford full-back Fin Stevens on loan for the second half of the season, a source has exclusively told Football League World.

The Wales youth international already has EFL experience under his belt from his time at Swansea City and current loan side Oxford United, who currently ply their trade in League One.

The 20-year-old has made 26 appearances for the U's in all competitions so far this season, playing in the third tier, EFL Cup, EFL Trophy and the FA Cup.

He wasn't one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Kassam Stadium during the early stages of his loan spell, but he started to become a vital first-teamer under Liam Manning.

Stevens has also been a regular starter under his current boss Des Buckingham, with the young defender playing his part in keeping the U's in the promotion mix at this stage.

A 3-2 home defeat against Derby County on Friday evening didn't exactly enhance his chances of registering a promotion on his CV, but he can't give up hope of guiding Oxford to the Championship just yet.

Recording one goal and two assists during his time with the third-tier outfit, his only goal came against Shrewsbury Town during the early stages of October.

Managing to fire home from a Greg Leigh cross, the U's went on to win that game 3-0, and fans of the third-tier team will be hoping to see him get forward regularly for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.

But he could potentially be on his way to the second tier next month.

FLW understands Stevens is currently on Jon Dahl Tomasson's radar ahead of next month.

Callum Brittain may be fit and healthy for the Ewood Park outfit - but Joe Rankin-Costello is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Not only this, but they don't have too many options at left-back either and Rankin-Costello has been played higher up at points, making Stevens a potentially suitable signing for Tomasson's team.

Rovers seem to be active in the market already, having been linked with Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt.

They aren't the only team in the race for the Whites' attacker though, with Hull City and Lancashire rivals Preston North End also reported to be in the mix for 'Joffy'.

With this in mind, they seemingly have other irons in the fire and have had a loan offer rejected for Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire, who is gaining a lot of attention for his performances in the United States.

Rovers didn't spend that much during the summer window and a decent percentage of their additions were permanent signings.

With this in mind, they still have room to bring in some loanees and Stevens could be a very good squad option to have.

He has been part of a side that have been competing at the top end of a division this term and even though Oxford haven't been that successful under Buckingham, Stevens could bring a winning mentality to the Ewood Park changing room.

He could potentially help to tighten up Tomasson's side's defence too.

Oxford, meanwhile, will just be hoping to keep hold of him and their other loan players. Losing Stevens and James Beadle would be a real blow for them considering both players have been key this term.