Blackburn Rovers are the latest side to enter the race for Nottingham Forest centre-back Steve Cook, according to a Twitter update from journalist Mike McGrath.

The ex-AFC Bournemouth man could be on his way out of the City Ground before tonight's deadline, with the likes of Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna, Moussa Niakhate and Willy Boly all available as alternative centre-back options to Steve Cooper.

They are also closing in on Atletico Madrid's Felipe - and that would push Cook further back in the pecking order with the 31-year-old making 12 Premier League appearances this season and being consigned to the substitutes bench recently.

Failing to come off the bench in any of Forest's six league games, he could soon find himself out of their matchday squad altogether when Felipe finalises his move and that could allow interested sides to swoop in for him.

The Athletic (10:49am) believe his most likely destination is Luton Town at this stage - but Birmingham City and Stoke are also reported to be interested in luring him away from the East Midlands with Blackburn joining the race too.

Clinton Mola and Dominic Hyam came in to replace Darragh Lenihan and Jan Paul van Hecke in the summer - but Mola has barely featured and that could potentially allow Cook to come in and make an impact.

The Verdict:

Rovers could definitely benefit from another central defender and this is why Cook could be a decent addition, not just because of his experience but also because he has the experience of winning promotion before.

If he can instil a winning mentality at Ewood Park, there's every chance Blackburn could end up winning the play-offs this season like Cook did with Forest during the latter stages of the 2021/22 campaign.

The 31-year-old may be a fringe player at the City Ground - but he was an integral figure last term and that will provide Rovers with plenty of encouragement if he ends up making the move to Lancashire.

Considering he spent time on the south coast before moving up to the Midlands though, it will be interesting to see where he ends up next if he does move on before the transfer deadline tonight, with Lancashire potentially not the most attractive destination considering he has spent much of his career in the south.

A switch to Birmingham would allow him to stay in the Midlands but he may not be one of the first names on the teamsheet there.