Rovers say they will endeavour to find a solution to the Ethan Brierley transfer deal that doesn’t leave Rochdale out of pocket.

The 19-year-old was set to join Rovers on a permanent transfer for what Gregg Broughton described as ‘a small transfer fee’.

That deal now appears unlikely due to issues surrounding the submission of paperwork which was ultimately filed later than the 11pm deadline.

Broughton acknowledges that the transfer funds would be significant to the League Two side and that Rovers will work with Rochdale to find an agreement, with the expectation that Brierley will move to Ewood Park in the summer.

He said: “The situation with Ethan is very different because that was a permanent transfer and we’re exploring now the options to have a pre-agreement done ahead of the summer. We are exploring youth loan options – there are lots of different options we’re exploring.

“Our lawyers are doing the work and Ethan and Rochdale are fully on board with that.

“What we must remember here as well is that with Rochdale, every penny of what was a small transfer fee, but every penny of that, for a club of Rochdale’s status right now, is absolutely vital.

“We have to find a way of ensuring that income can go to them and ensuring that Ethan can become a Blackburn Rovers player.”

Brierley has played 13 times for Rochdale this season, and 31 times in all, and is under contract until 2024.

He had been on trial at Sheffield United but was unable to secure a move to Bramall Lane owing to the Blades’ current transfer embargo.

Brierley is now back with Rochdale after the failed Rovers move, with the club giving an update to supporters on the back of the EFL ruling.

It read: “Rochdale Football Club are now in a position to update supporters on Ethan Brierley’s proposed transfer to Blackburn Rovers.

“An agreement was made between to the two clubs on Tuesday, with the Academy graduate set to move before the “11pm deadline.

However, due to various issues at Rovers’ end, the paperwork was not submitted on time.

“After a wait of almost 48 hours, the EFL confirmed to both clubs that the transfer agreement application had been rejected.

“We note the interview given  by Rovers’ Director of Football Gregg Broughton and discussions continue between the clubs with the aim of concluding the transfer at the earliest opportunity.

“The club understand the frustration of supporters in the lack of clarity around the transfer, but hope they understand we could not comment until the EFL confirmed their decision on the application, and further discussions had taken place with Rovers.

“We will aim to confirm any further progress on the proposed transfer to supporters as soon as possible.”