Blackburn Rovers had fended off "a host" of other Championship sides to recruit Rochdale midfielder Ethan Brierley before a deal was blocked by the EFL, according to yesterday's report from The Sun.

The 19-year-old had been linked with a move to Sheffield United, with Paul Heckingbottom's side reportedly taking him on trial last month as they weighed up whether to strike a deal for the teenager or not.

This same report from Football Insider also added that the Blades were trying to find a way to strike an agreement whilst under their transfer embargo.

The youngster would have been the South Yorkshire side's first and only signing of the winter window if he had come in, with Heckingbottom's side seeming to be more focused on retaining their key assets whilst operating under their embargo.

These transfer restrictions may have given Blackburn hope of getting a late deal over the line for Brierley though and they nearly succeeded, but had this agreement blocked by the EFL with Rovers potentially not getting a deal over the line in time, although Rovers have appealed this decision.

Several second-tier clubs were interested in securing Brierley though, potentially dealing both Blackburn and the Blades a blow in their potential quest to recruit him in the summer if Rovers' appeal is unsuccessful.

The Verdict:

Already making a first-team breakthrough at his current side, he needs to try and ensure he's a regular starter between now and the end of the season there because it doesn't look as though this deal will go through.

Making a decent number of first-team appearances in the coming months will help to put him in the shop window again, although it's currently unclear whether a move to Bramall Lane would still appeal to him if the Blades are promoted.

This could make it even more difficult for him to win a place in the matchday squad than it already is - and even though he could potentially go out on loan - he will surely want to be settled somewhere for the long term.

If that means staying with his current team for now, then that's something he should be willing to accept, although you have to feel that he could be tempted to make the step up to either United or Blackburn if the opportunity comes along.

Not only may he have the chance to train under some top-quality players - but he is also likely to secure a sizeable salary increase and that could be life-changing for him and his family.