Blackburn Rovers are finalising a deal to sign Connor O'Riordan from Crewe Alexandra.

The 20-year-old would be their third signing of the January transfer window after a deal to sign the defender advanced over the last few days.

The Lancashire Telegraph first reported interest in O'Riordan at the start of the month. The deal had initially seemed straightforward with a 500K release clause in his contract.

Jon Dahl Tomasson and Chief Executive Steve Waggott both confirmed that O'Riordan was on their list of potential targets, having also made a bid for him in the summer, but a deal was yet to be agreed.

READ MORE: Adam Wharton opens up on Rovers journey

It later became clear that Rovers would need to structure a deal for the defender, spread out in instalments as they did with Harry Pickering's move in 2021.

The Alex had been keen for as much up front as possible, which had led to a stalemate over the last fortnight. However, it's understood talks have now progressed and there is renewed confidence a deal will be completed shortly.

Rovers are desperate for reinforcements at centre-back. Jon Dahl Tomasson wants to new defenders this month after James Hill was recalled by Bournemouth.

Hayden Carter was forced off with a problematic injury on Saturday and that leaves Dom Hyam and Scott Wharton as Rovers' only fit senior centre-backs.

That has further increased the need for reinforcements and the club have now struck a deal with the League Two side.

It's unknown how long Carter or Harry Pickering are out for, with Tomasson set to provide an update later this week. Both players went for scans on Monday to assess their issues.

The Lancashire Telegraph also understands that reports linking the club with a move for French winger Vicky Kiankaulua are wide of the mark.

Speculation about the 22-year-old emerged after links from France however, the player is not a target at this stage. Kiankaulua is currently playing his football in Belgium with La Louviere.

O'Riordan is not expected to be the last piece of business Rovers complete this month. Tomasson would still like another defender and a forward before the January window ends.

Charlie Cresswell is a player that has been linked and there is interest in the Leeds United defender. The England youth international has been completely frozen out by Daniel Farke whilst speculation continues around his future.

Niall Ennis is still expected to complete a move to Bolton Wanderers on loan. The striker has not been included in the last two matchday squads and didn't feature for the Under-21s on Monday night against West Brom.

Watford striker Mileta Rajovic has been linked as a possible replacement should Sam Gallagher leave but his agent has shot down those rumours.