This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Blackburn Rovers are considering a player swap in an attempt to agree a deal for MK Dons star Matt O'Riley, as per a report from The Sun.
The report states that the Championship high-flyers are struggling to afford a deal for the exciting midfielder and are considering a player swap.
Swansea City, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town, Bournemouth and Barnsley have all emerged as interested parties in the 21-year-old's services, according to Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre (31/12, 15:16).
O'Riley has netted seven times and assisted four in 25 league games this season, and possess the versatility to operate in an advanced midfield role, a central role or a holding position too.
Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding this potential deal...
Toby Wilding
This does look as though it could be a very good signing for Blackburn.
With the future of Joe Rothwell at Ewood Park remaining uncertain as he enters the final few months of his Rovers contract, adding some extra reinforcement in the centre of the park could certainly be important.
Indeed, O'Riley's attacking instincts, also mean that he in particular could fill a similar sort of role for Tony Mowbray's side to the one that Rothwell currently does, which would make this a crucial piece of business.
The fact that this also looks like being an awkward deal to do from a financial perspective, could also make this something of a statement of intent from Rovers if they can pull it off, so this could be well worth pursuing for those in charge at Ewood Park.
George Dagless
I think it's worth real consideration.
He's done well at MK Dons and has huge potential with him a player that clearly has a bright career ahead of him.
He's still very young and so needs to get the next move right, but I think Blackburn could be a good club for him.
Tony Mowbray has shown during his time there he can help develop young players - either Rovers' own or ones that have come in on loan from Premier League sides and I think that therefore means O'Riley would be in good hands.
I would expect him to have a good chance of playing regularly, too, so let's see if this one happens.
Declan Harte
O’Riley has had an impressive season with MK Dons. Bagging seven goals and four assists from midfield in League One at 21-years old was always going to draw attention from Championship clubs.
That high-flying Blackburn Rovers are showing such interest is an even greater testament to his performances this season.
For the valued price of £2 million, this would be a big fee to take on a player who hasn’t played at this level of the Championship yet. However, given his age, it would be a great investment in the future of the club.
If Blackburn can make the figures work then they should be doing everything they can to secure O’Riley this month because they might not get the chance to sign him again.