Blackburn Rovers are in talks with Irish League side Linfield over a deal to sign Aodhan Doherty.

Doherty is one of the league's most exciting talents and could be on his way to Ewood Park with the club interested in bringing him in, as reported by The Belfast Telegraph.

There remains competition for his signature but Rovers are keen to get a deal over the line.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder would be a signing for the Academy and has been identified as a talent Rovers would like to bring in to develop.

Rovers are keen to bring in external talent to complement their homegrown Academy prospects after the early success of Igor Tyjon amongst others. 

The Lancashire Telegraph understands the Academy have funds available to bring in young talent for a fee and Doherty fits that bill. Chief Executive Steve Waggott has highlighted Academy recruitment as key part of Rovers' strategy.

Rovers signed Thomas Bloxham from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, though that was on a free transfer, and Tyjon from Rochdale. The former is already attracting interest from above after an impressive season with the Under-21s. He has been on the first-team bench twice but is still awaiting his debut.

Doherty is the latest talent to make the cross-channel move. He had trials with West Ham United and Stoke City before signing a professional deal with Linfield which runs until 2026.

Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton are reported to have watched Doherty, who came through Linfield's Academy scholarship programme before making his senior Linfield debut in September 2023, as well.

Doherty has also impressed in the Northern Ireland youth ranks, featuring for Gareth McCauley's Under-18s team.

After signing his first deal, Linfield boss David Healy said: “Aodhan has trained with us regularly whilst being part of our Academy scholarship programme.

“I have been impressed with how well he has adapted and has shown a clear willingness to learn.

“I have no doubt that he can improve as we assimilate him into the squad, ensuring he has a controlled level of game time between the first-team and the Swifts.

“We have shown with players such as Trai Hume and Paul Smyth that there is a clear pathway, even when you don’t go across the water at 16. It’s now up to Doc to take his chance.”

Rovers are still waiting to discover answers from some of the young players who have been offered scholarship deals. The annual 'scholars night' was held last Friday but some were absent due to holidays and so an official announcement is yet to be made.

Rory Finneran is one of those that has been offered terms but he has interest from elsewhere. Whilst nothing has been confirmed, it is increasingly likely that he may move on from Blackburn Rovers.