A round-up for Rovers behind-the-headlines news.
DUTCH DEAL DISCUSSED
Feyenoord have explored the option of signing Jan Paul van Hecke on loan.
However, under FIFA rules that won’t be materialising in this window.
Feyenoord are on the look-out for a new centre half after injury to Gernot Trauner, and it has been reported that head coach Arne Slot has spoken with van Hecke about a January move.
Rovers’ reigning player of the year is into the final six months of his deal at the AMEX Stadium and impressed on his first start for the club in last weekend’s FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough.
What is unclear whether Brighton would be open to a loan deal this month, a move to Feyenoord in this window wouldn’t be an option under FIFA rules, with Brighton already having the maximum eight players loaned out to overseas clubs.
Feyenoord are said to be focusing their available money on a central midfielder, ruling out a move for the 22-year-old Dutchman this month.
Contract talks between Brighton and van Hecke didn’t materialise in the summer, neither did a move to Sunderland on a season-long loan switch as a result, but the expectation is that a new deal is on the horizon for van Hecke.
EDUN INTEREST
Charlton Athletic look to have gone to the front of the queue in the quest to sign Tayo Edun on loan.
The Rovers let back has attracted interest from League One clubs who are keen to take him on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team since joining from Lincoln City in the summer of 2021, making 33 appearances, including 12 this season.
His appearance off the bench in the New Year’s Day win over Cardiff City was a first since September for Edun, who could be freed up to move out on loan later this month.
Jon Dahl Tomasson had ruled out the immediate departure of Edun when asked last week, but the Addicks, who are in the market for a left-sided defender, could look to secure his services for the remainder of the campaign.
MILLERS MOVE FOR MORRISON
Rotherham United, Rovers’ weekend opponents, have added an experienced central defender to their ranks.
Sean Morrison has joined on a deal until the end of the season having left Cardiff City earlier this month.
The 32-year-old spent eight-and-a-half years with Cardiff and will add some Championship experience to the Millers ahead of the visit of Rovers.
Rotherham boss Matt Taylor is hopeful of at least one more addition to his squad before the weekend as the Millers look to get back to winning ways having slid down the table.
They have won only one of their last 12 games and now sit only a place above the relegation zone.
KHADRA CONTRACT DONE
Reda Khadra had a busy Monday in which he was recalled from Sheffield United before being loaned to Birmingham City for the remainder of the season.
It was also announced that the 21-year-old had signed a contract extension with parent club Brighton through to 2024.
Khadra played 28 times for Rovers last season, scoring five goals, but struggled for an impact at Bramall Lane, starting only four league matches before being recalled by Brighton.
Very happy to be here blues! 🔵⚪️
— Reda Jousef Khadra (@reda_khadra7) January 10, 2023
Now full focus on the Rest of the season. @BCFC #BCFC pic.twitter.com/471vBl11ke
The Germany Under-21 international will now hope to kick-on with Blues, with the prospect of an Ewood Park return on January 28, should Birmingham get past Forest Green in the FA Cup to set up a fourth round tie with Rovers.
Brighton’s technical director David Weir said, “Reda has had limited football the past few months with Sheffield United, so we hope by recalling him and loaning him to Birmingham that his minutes will go up.
“Despite the limited game time, we’ve been happy with the way Reda has developed this season and he deserves this contract extension.”
PRESTON PAIRING
Rovers have been drawn against Preston North End in the Lancashire Senior Cup.
Rovers, 19 times winners of the competition, were handed a bye in round one and will host North End in the last eight.
Although a date and venue are yet to be set, the game is expected to be played at Rovers’ Academy base at Brockhall next month.
The other three ties see Accrington Stanley face Rochdale or Liverpool, Barrow host Everton and Burnley face Blackpool.
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