Football League World
·28 January 2024
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·28 January 2024
Blackburn Rovers are eyeing a late move for Swansea City forward Jerry Yates this month.
That is according to a report on Sunday morning from Alan Nixon via Patreon.
Nixon's report, whilst revealing Blackburn's interest in the striker, does reveal some stumbling blocks to a deal, though.
First and foremost, it is reported that Blackburn are keen on a loan deal for the player, whilst Swansea City would only be willing to let him go for a fee.
Not only that, but the Swans reportedly value Yates at £2.5 million, which is quite a sum for Blackburn to come up with at present.
Indeed, Nixon claims that the only way Blackburn can go down that route, or try to, is if Ipswich Town up their bids for Rovers striker Sam Gallagher.
Gallagher has been the subject of two bids from the Tractor Boys so far this window, both of which have been turned down.
These bids were said to be at £1m and £1.5m respectively, so there is still some way to go before they reach the £2.5m that would potentially allow Blackburn to explore a permanent deal for Yates.
Given that Yates only made the move from Blackpool to Swansea last summer, it is unsurprising that they are not open to the idea of letting him leave on loan.
It is not as though Yates has had a terrible season in terms of goalscoring, either, considering the minutes he has played. However, having said that he has not been prolific by any means, either.
Indeed, the 27-year-old has scored six goals in 28 Championship matches so far, with just 18 of these being starts.
Crucially, though, since the beginning of December, Yates has started just two matches and has been firmly out of favour, at least in terms of a starting spot, since the club sacked Michael Duff.
Perhaps for that reason, Blackburn feel a loan deal may be possible this month.
Yates has continued to feature for the club from the bench in recent weeks, though, with a winning goal away at Rotherham last month proof of what effect he can have even as a squad option.
The above report linking Blackburn with Yates is not the first striker that the club have been linked with this month.
Ahead of the window, Hertha Berlin striker Derry Scherhant was said to be one name on Rovers' list, whilst in recent weeks, the club were also linked with Watford's Mileta Rajovic, only for his agent to quickly shut down any exit rumours.
recent claim that the club can't find a replacement for Sam Gallagher if he does depart this month.