Millwall links with Chelsea man could give Blackburn welcome boost in Leeds transfer chase: View | OneFootball

Saturday afternoon served as yet another reminder of the need for Blackburn Rovers to strengthen their defensive options in the January transfer window.

A 4-1 thumping away to West Brom was littered with defensive errors, and means Jon Dahl Tomasson's side have now conceded a league-high 52 goals during the current campaign.

Indeed, Tomasson himself has stressed that he wants his side to sign two centre backs this month, after James Hill's recall by parent club Bournemouth, left Rovers with just three senior options - Dom Hyam, Hayden Carter and Scott Wharton, in that position.

Now it seems that Blackburn are ready to go to some considerable lengths, to secure the services of one particular target in that position.

Rovers ready to bid for Cresswell

According to reports from journalist Alan Nixon on Sunday, Blackburn are ready to make a cash offer to buy Leeds United centre back Charlie Cresswell this month.

The 21-year-old has struggled for opportunities with the Elland Road club this season, managing just four Championship appearances this season, only one of which has come since August.

As a result, a move elsewhere could make sense for the defender as well. However, Blackburn are not alone with their interest in the Leeds man, with another Championship side, Millwall, also thought to ready to make a bid.

Given Cresswell spent last season on loan at Millwall, producing some impressive performances in the process, that connection may have been bad news for Rovers' own hopes of completing the eyes of many.

Now though, it could be argued that another transfer link to have emerged recently, could give Blackburn renewed hope, in any attempt they make to sign Cresswell.

Millwall/Chelsea link could open door for Blackburn

While Millwall may have been linked with a reunion with Cresswell, it seems he is not the only centre back on their radar right now.

According to , the Lions are also looking at a potential move for Chelsea's Alfie Gilchrist.

The 20-year-old has emerged onto the scene with a number of encouraging performances for Mauriccio Pochettino's side in both league and cup.

it is thought that the Blues would be open to a loan move for Gilchrist in order to continue his first-team education, in what could be good news for Blackburn.

Given Gilchrist would seemingly be available for a loan move, that could make him more affordable, and therefore a more appealing target for Millwall, as they look to work effectively in the market, and potentially keep funds available to strengthen other positions too.

It is also worth noting that the Chelsea prospect is said to have a good relationship with Millwall manager Joe Edwards.

Considering the fact that when Cresswell was on loan at Millwall last season, it was Gary Rowett - rather than Edwards himself - in charge at The Den, that could also prompt the Lions to favour a move for Gilchrist when it comes to their search for a new centre back.

If therefore, they are able to pull off a deal for Gilchrist that would seemingly work well for all parties, they may not feel the need to pursue another option in that position, such as Cresswell.

That in turn could then leave the door open for Blackburn to make their move for the Leeds man, as they look to secure some much-needed central defensive reinforcements of their own.

Indeed, if Millwall are to look elsewhere, that lack of competition could also make a move for Cresswell cheaper for Blackburn, than might otherwise have been the case.

Should things play out in that way, that too could be a welcome bonus for Rovers, given the well-documented challenges they are having to work around when it comes to their financial situation.

So with that in mind, the importance of defensive reinforcements at Ewood Park, means that Blackburn may be hoping Gilchrist secures move from Chelsea to Millwall this month, just as much as those at The Den themselves.