JORDAN Rhodes has become Blackburn Rovers ’ joint record transfer after completing his switch from Huddersfield Town for £8million.
The former Huddersfield hot-shot has moved to Ewood for the highest transfer fee paid by a club in England outside the Premier League, in a bold statement of intent from owners Venky’s.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal and is understood to have been handed a bumper personal package to lure him to Rovers’ Championship challenge.
His £8m capture matches the sum paid by Rovers to Manchester for Andy Cole and dwarfs other business done by their Championship rivals this summer.
Meanwhile Portuguese defender Nuno Henrique is expected to put pen to paper tomorrow ahead of the 11pm close of the transfer deadline, with Polish international goalkeeper Grzegorz Sandomierski also set to complete his move - a season-long loan switch from Genk.
Rovers don’t expect to make any more additions before the close of the window and are hoping to keep hold of their squad, despite interest in some of their stars.
It is understood Kean has watched Senegalese winger Modou Sougou, who plays for CFR Cluj, but a move is unlikely to be completed in this window.
Southampton are understood to have expressed an interest in Swedish left back Martin Olsson, but Rovers are determined to keep hold of him.
Steven Nzonzi could depart tomorrow, with several Premier League clubs showing an interest in signing the Frenchman on loan.
David Goodwillie is another who could depart before tomorrow's deadline, with Bristol City understood to be looking to sign him on loan.
Rhodes was the top scorer in England last season, with 36 league goals, and spearheaded Huddersfield’s promotion charge to the Championship.
Rovers boss Steve Kean, said: “Jordan is a top class striker and we are absolutely delighted to bring him in. His record is there for all to see and I believe he can play a major role in our drive for promotion back to the Premier League.”
Rovers’ managing director Derek Shaw, who played a role in the record-breaking transfer, said: “An awful lot of work has gone into this deal and we are all indebted to Mrs Desai and her family for their magnificent support. “From the very first day I walked in here, the owners have given superb backing for everything we are trying to do on and off the field. That is where the credit is really due.”
Rhodes registered a phenomenal 40 goals in all competitions last season, which included three hat-tricks, all four goals in a 4-4 draw with Sheffield Wednesday and five in a 6-0 whitewash over Wycombe Wanderers. He helped Huddersfield secure promotion via the play-offs and was rewarded with the League One Player of the Year award.
The prolific marksman has continued his fine form into the current campaign, netting three goals in three games for club and country this season, including his first international strike in Scotland's 3-1 friendly win over Australia earlier this month.
He had been called up to the senior squad having netted eight goals in eight games for Scotland’s Under-21s and will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Leeds United.
For all the reaction to Rhodes' move see tomorrow's Lancashire Telegraph.
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