BLACKBURN Rovers made three signings and let one player leave on a busy final day of the summer transfer window at Ewood Park.

After completing the permanent capture of Everton centre-back Shane Duffy on a three-year contract Rovers swooped for Fulham midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jason Steele on season-long loans in the final 90 minutes of the window late last night.

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But Jack O’Connell left the club after he re-signed for League One outfit Rochdale on loan until January 3.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer did attempt to make a fourth addition to his squad.

But Bowyer - who was linked with Port Vale striker Tom Pope - was unable to get his man.

Former England U21s international Steele, who was part of Great Britain’s squad at the 2012 London Olympic Games, will challenge Paul Robinson for the number one jersey at Rovers.

The 24-year-old was linked with big money moves to Liverpool and Arsenal earlier in his career.

But after undergoing surgery in November, the 6ft 2in Steele has made just start under new boss Aitor Karanka and has found himself third in the pecking order behind the under-fire Tomas Mejias and Dimi Konstantopoulos – a decision that has not gone down well with Boro supporters.

Tunnicliffe also found himself out of favour at Fulham after making a January move from then Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The 21-year-old started his first two games for the Cottagers.

But he was deemed surplus to requirement by Felix Magath after he took over from Rene Meulensteen and was sent out on loan to Wigan Athletic.

The former England U17s international, who worked with Meulensteen at United, had a more successful loan spell at Ipswich Town earlier in his career.

And it is believed Rovers beat the Tractor Boys to his signature.

Bowyer’s move for Duffy, 22, meant centre-back O’Connell, 20, was given the green light to rejoin Rochdale with who he helped win promotion from League Two last season.

Rochdale boss, and former Rovers defender, Keith Hill said: “Blackburn had one or two injuries, so it took a little bit longer than expected, but I’ve been patient with it.

“I was constantly looking at the press to see who Blackburn were being linked with and to see if it was a central defender. Obviously they got Shane Duffy, which allowed us to recruit Jack on loan.

“I know there were other clubs desperate to sign Jack but he wanted to come back to Rochdale if he wasn’t to be a first team regular for Blackburn.

“I think he found a footballing home here last season.

“Jack, for me, was worth the hard work and the patience because I like him so much as a player and as a person. I’m really pleased to have recruited him.” It is believed Rovers yesterday attempted to move on at least two more players.