Scottish Premiership side Rangers are leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell, according to yesterday's report from The Sun.
As per the same article, they plan to move for the 26-year-old in January, with the midfielder able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the Gers due to his contract expiring next summer.
If a deal can be agreed between Steven Gerrard's men and Rovers' key man, he would officially arrive at Ibrox on July 1st, leaving Tony Mowbray's side penniless in the process after not being brought through their youth system at Ewood Park.
This would be a major blow for a Blackburn side that have seen the Englishman establish himself as a key figure in Lancashire since his move from Oxford United in the summer of 2018 - and has appeared in all 11 of their Championship matches so far this season - recording three assists in the process.
It has been said the second-tier outfit were willing to cash in on him in the summer to retain Adam Armstrong, but the 24-year-old's departure to Southampton seemingly ruled out a move and are they are prepared to try and cash in on him in January to avoid losing him for free at the end of this term.
Not only have Rangers reportedly been interested in acquiring the 26-year-old's services, but also Premier League new boys Brentford who were said to have had Rothwell on their radar back in August.
It's currently unknown whether the Bees will re-enter the race for his signature - but at this stage - Rothwell's agent is reported to be 'holding firm' on a deal amid interest from elsewhere.
In the end, he may decide his future based on whether Ben Brereton Diaz stays at the club with his contract also running out in less than 12 months, after seeing the Chilean play a huge part in guiding Rovers up the table with his ten goals in 11 Championship games so far this season.
His side currently sit in eighth after losing their last two Championship matches, although another surge could see them re-enter the play-offs and with that, give themselves a glimmer of hope over Rothwell potentially remaining at Ewood Park beyond next summer.