Rovers have issued an official statement on Duncan McGuire’s proposed loan move from MLS side Orlando City.

The forward signed on 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.

Rovers say the move has not been approved as of now, but the case will be considered by the EFL board on Thursday.

McGurie will remain in the UK while the issue is considered but the forward will return to Orlando if his registration is not approved. If that happens, Rovers will try attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement so he can join the club on a permanent basis at the start of the summer window.

The statement read: “Duncan McGuire’s proposed loan move to Blackburn Rovers from MLS side Orlando City has not been approved by the EFL to date due to the registration documents being submitted after the 11pm transfer deadline.

“All of the necessary signed paperwork had been completed prior to 10pm on Thursday, February 1. However, due to an administrative error, the forms were not processed within the prescribed time.

“Detailed discussions with the legal representatives and the relevant football authorities have taken place over the past few days to try to reach an urgent and positive resolution to the matter.

“The club’s lawyers have prepared the required papers and sent to the EFL board, who will consider the case on Thursday, February 8.

“Orlando City have allowed Duncan McGuire to remain in the UK, pending the EFL board’s decision. He will return to the United States, where he will rejoin his club ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season, should his registration not be approved.

“Should the appeal be refused then Blackburn Rovers will attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City over the coming weeks to enable the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens.

“The club will make no further comment on the matter at this time.”