Oxford boss Karl Robinson believes Rovers have got themselves ‘a talented player’ in Joe Rothwell.

The midfielder became Rovers’ first summer signing when he arrived on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Rothwell turned down the offer of a new contract at the Kassam Stadium to join Rovers, who saw a pursuit of the 23-year-old fall short in January.

But they have since matched Oxford’s valuation, meaning the fee was agreed without having to go to tribunal.

And Robinson said: “Joe is a talented player and has done well for the club but as with Ryan Ledson (who joined Preston) earlier in the summer he has a chance to test himself in a higher league and it is closer to home as well.

“Blackburn met our valuation and so he moves on with our thanks and best wishes.”

Rothwell played 86 times for the club after joining in 2016 after leaving Manchester United and thanked the club for their support during his time at the Kassam.

He told Oxford’s official website: “It’s a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get started but I want to thank everyone at Oxford.

“It’s a fantastic club, Karl has been brilliant with me ever since he arrived, and I would like to thank the fans, staff and everyone around the club for making my time at Oxford so memorable.”