Jon Dahl Tomasson has confirmed Blackburn Rovers' interest in Crewe Alexandra defender Connor O'Riordan.

The Lancashire Telegraph has reported the 21-year-old is a target for Rovers this month. There is competition for his signature but the defender is keen on a move to Ewood Park.

Preston North End and Blackpool have both looked at O'Riordan, who has a 500K release clause in his contract. It's understood Rovers are happy to pay that figure for his services.

However, the club are negotiating with Crewe about the structure of any transfer fee. Paying that figure up front would be difficult for Rovers considering the cashflow issues the club have faced since the summer.

READ MORE: JDT on the importance of January window for Rovers

Venky's remain under investigation in India so moving money over to the club for transfers remains a balancing act. So far, Lewis Travis has left, freeing room on the wage bill, and Yasin Ayari and Ben Chrisene have come in.

Tomasson would like to add two centre-backs to his squad in January, with James Hill returning to Bournemouth, but a deal for O'Riordan will have to be structured.

"It's a player we like, for sure," Tomasson said on Friday in his pre-Cambridge press conference. "Nothing is finalised.

"I have learned in football, you're never 100 per cent until the boy is in the building and everything is signed and he has the kit on. Otherwise, you're not sure in football."

“Every time the window opens, it is an opportunity,” he added. “We should take that opportunity and bring players in.

“The players needs help and I can only say that this window is going to be extremely important for the club.

“Of course, the project changed totally in the summer. Now is a good opportunity to help the players.