Blackburn Rovers are leading Newcastle United and Bournemouth in the race to sign Rio Ave defender Toni Borevkovic, a report from a print edition of Portuguese newspaper A Bola has claimed.

It was recently revealed by the same outlet that the English-based trio are all interested in a move for the 22-year-old, and it appears as though it is the Championship side who have stolen a march in the race for the defender.

According to the latest reports, it is Rovers who have shown "the most serious and sustained" interest in the defender, meaning a deal could be likely, with the Portuguese side seemingly willing to negotiate a deal.

Tony Mowbray's side are currently in Portugal for a five-day training camp, meaning they could be well-placed to open talks sooner rather than later, although it is thought that Rio Ave would prefer for the defender's departure to come in the summer, rather than this month.

Borevkovic joined Rio Ave from NK Rudes in his native Croatia back in the summer of 2018, and has since gone onto make 44 appearances in all competitions for his current club, who are currently seventh in the Portuguese top-flight.

There are currently three-and-a-half years remaining on Borevkovic's contract with Rio Ave, securing his future in Portugal until the end of 2022/23 season.

The Verdict

This could be a useful deal for Blackburn to complete.

With Tosin Adarabioyo only on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season, there is no doubt they need to add to their options at centre back either now or in the summer.

The fact that two Premier League teams have also been linked with the 22-year-old certainly suggests he possesses a decent amount of potential and ability, meaning he could be a useful replacement for Adarabioyo going forward.

While the fact that Adarabioyo will be at Ewood Park until the end of the season means they do not necessarily need to secure the deal this month, it could be smart for Rovers to look to do so, both to give the defender time to settle in without being thrown straight into the starting lineup at his new club, and prevent any other sides from swooping in to win the race for his signature.