Connor O'Riordan has become Blackburn Rovers' third signing of the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old defender has been a long-time target and has now penned a four-and-a-half year deal after an agreement was struck with Crewe Alexandra.

O'Riordan is a much-needed defensive addition, with Jon Dahl Tomasson short of options at centre-back. James Hill was recalled earlier in the month and Hayden Carter's injury means Scott Wharton and Dom Hyam are Rovers only fit, senior players in that position.

Rovers have tracked O'Riordan for several months and tried to sign him in the summer. After some negotiations over the payment structure of the 500K release in his contract, the deal has now finally been confirmed.

Director of Football Gregg Broughton said: “We are delighted to welcome Connor to Blackburn Rovers and I would like congratulate Crewe for the incredible development work they have done over many years.

“Connor will bring an aerial presence in both boxes, a calmness in possession and a desire to do the ugly things needed to be a first-class defender.

“We have had to be patient with this signing, after initially having offers turned down by Crewe in the summer, and we have beaten significant interest from other clubs to conclude the deal.

“Our recruitment team have done a great job in both tracking Connor and then selling the club to him. Connor must also receive great credit for not allowing the speculation to affect him and being resolute that the only club he wanted to move to was Blackburn Rovers.”