Many Championship clubs haven't been active in the 2021 January transfer window as they look to be conservative with finances due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Blackburn Rovers though are not one of those, with the Lancashire side tying up a loan move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite last week.

The teenager impressed in his debut against Stoke City and has filled a huge void in the centre of Tony Mowbray's defence having lost three players in that position to injury in recent weeks.

Rovers aren't particularly in the position to be throwing around cash at the moment, but they've been linked for moves with a few targets, including Cedric Kipre.

Let's look at two things that Rovers DON'T want to happen though with two weeks left of the mid-season window.

A big bid for Adam Armstrong to come in

There isn't much in the way of money being spent right now in the Premier League, with clubs having to be cautious due to the effects of COVID-19 on finances.

But the clubs that are especially lacking in goals usually like to target a free-scoring striker in mid-season to try and turn their fortunes around - and there's not many more prolific than Armstrong right now.

The 23-year-old has netted 16 times in 23 league outings this season (although just two of them have come in his last nine games)

Reputable West Ham-related Twitter account ExWHUEmployee has claimed (via Hammers News) that the club are 'especially keen' on bringing Armstrong to the London Stadium, but Blackburn CEO Steve Waggott has suggested that it'll take an offer in the region of £25 million for Rovers to even consider selling at this current moment.

It's unlikely that that will happen this month, however any bid that arrives for Armstrong could unsettle him and turn his head - something Blackburn will be hoping that doesn't occur.

 

Quiz: The top 16 Blackburn Rovers record player departures – Which club did they join though?

 

 

To lose out in the battle to sign Harry Pickering

There have been conflicting reports on Blackburn's attempts to sign Crewe's 22-year-old left-back this month.

David Artell confirmed last week that Rovers had lodged a bid for Pickering that hadn't quite met the Railwaymen's valuation, but Tony Mowbray painted a completely different picture.

Mowbray had no knowledge of such a bid being placed, saying that it 'wouldn't make sense' to be in for a left-back when he already had two in Amari'i Bell and Leeds loanee Barry Douglas.

In truth though, both of them have underperformed in the eyes of Rovers fans this season and Douglas is unlikely to be pursued on a permanent deal in the summer - so Pickering would actually be a good signing.

They could always wait until the summer to make it happen, but Rovers may miss out if they play that game with Stoke City reportedly interested in striking up a deal with their neighbours for the set-piece specialist.