According to The Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City have discussed a potential deal for defender Liam Kitching, but it is still up in the air.
As Rovers attempt to make their first move of the January transfer window, they are under pressure. John Eustace, the head coach, has made it apparent that he wants to strengthen his team with more players.
Rovers’ top priorities for this transfer window are a left-winger and a number nine. If the team wants to continue contending for the playoffs, Eustace is thought to need to add goals and quality in wide areas.
However, the knee injury suffered by Harry Pickering at Millwall has left them light on defensive cover. Hayden Carter also remains out though is expected to be around the first-team picture again by the end of the month.
Kitching has been identified as a player who would perfectly fit what Rovers are looking for to cover those positions. The 25-year-old is a left-footed and, though preferably a centre-back, can play left-back too.
Talks have been ongoing for the last week and at one stage, the deal looked likely.
However, Kitching’s involvement last Saturday has placed question marks over the deal, leaving it in the balance.
The defender signed for the Sky Blues from Barnsley in the summer of 2023 for a fee believed to be around £4million. However, he’s made only eight appearances for Coventry this term.
Although he played 90 minutes in Coventry’s thrilling 2-1 loss to Norwich City last weekend—they were leading 1-0 going into stoppage time, only to lose the match—a change in management hasn’t resulted in more playing time. Prior to that, Kitching had only managed 16 minutes in Coventry’s previous eight games since Frank Lampard was hired, and he wasn’t popular at the end of Mark Robins’ tenure. “Nothing at the moment,” Eustace said at yesterday’s press conference.
I know the club are working very hard to try and bring some players in, so hopefully we can continue doing that and see where it takes us. I am sure there won’t be anyone in before the weekend.”
Any deal would likely be a loan given what Coventry spent on Kitching to bring him to the club. It would be a surprise if Rovers were prepared to spend similar level of finance to bring him to Ewood Park.
Jeffrey Schlupp remains a target, though he has plenty of options and that deal won’t be concluded quickly. Oli McBurnie was a player of interest but the striker is settled at Las Palmas and so a move back to England after six months in Spain is unlikely.
The recruitment team has brought up Ryan Kent’s name, but it doesn’t appear probable that a deal would be reached. The former Rangers winger hasn’t had a club since October, but Eustace wants individuals who can make an immediate impression and contribute to the starting lineup.
Rovers are also not currently interested in signing Grant Hanley.
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