Blackburn Rovers remain locked in discussions with The English Football League around the registration of forward Duncan McGuire.

The forward signed from Orlando City on transfer deadline day after a topsy-turvy saga which saw the deal initially fall through before being rectified as a loan-to-buy agreement.

McGuire was formally announced by the club at 11pm, subject to international clearance and visa checks. It then emerged there had been an issue with the paperwork submitted and the deal remains in the balance.

The 23-year-old was at Ewood Park on Saturday to witness the 2-1 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers. After the match, Jon Dahl Tomasson told The Lancashire Telegraph to quiz the club hierarchy about the latest problems.

READ MORE: JDT verdict on Rovers signings and Adam Wharton exit

These issues follow a year on from Lewis O'Brien and Ethan Brierley's failed moves to the club. That was also due to a paperwork error, though the EFL's dispute was that the deals weren't submitted before the 11pm deadline, and this issue is understood to be different, though not less frustrating.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that Rovers are considering their options with McGuire as talks continue with the EFL.

The club's first hope is that the board accept the registration, though it still hasn't been approved at the time of writing. Discussions are ongoing between the club and their lawyers to present a compelling case to the EFL but there is a growing feeling that the deal won't be approved.

If the EFL insist McGuire can't be registered, Rovers have two options. The club can either appeal the decision, as they did with O'Brien last year, or accept defeat.

An appeal process would be presented to the EFL board and if that fails, they could take the case to an independent arbitrator. That is likely to be a lengthy process, with OBrien's deal not getting official clarification until March last year - and it failed.

Rovers feel as though they have a compelling case but after last year's issues, they could also accept the decision. If they do that, it's understood the club will look to agree a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City.

In the event that happens, a new agreement would have to be drawn up. Essentially, the current deal would be null and void and the two clubs would be starting again in negotiations.

Rovers feel a duty of care to McGuire, who is set to travel back to the United States on Tuesday if the deal isn't ratified. He's currently unable to train with the club or partake in any related activities.

O'Brien was left unregistered and unable to play for anyone in the UK after Rovers' mistake last season and Nottingham Forest's decision to leave him out of their Premier League squad.. That wouldn't be the case for McGuire.

The Major League Soccer season restarts on the weekend of February 26 and so McGuire can return to Orlando City and would be available to play for them. Rovers will then look to strike an agreement with the MLS club for the summer.

However, Orlando are under no obligation to stick to the previously agreed terms. Other clubs could also reignite their interest if they so wished.