Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 28 August 2024 11:07, UK

Blackburn Rovers are in advanced talks over a deal to sign Todd Cantwell from Rangers, sources have told Football Insider.

The 26-year-old playmaker has been seeking a move away from Ibrox all summer after handing in an official transfer request.

Blackburn are ready to hand the former Norwich City man a route out of Glasgow with a return to the Championship before Friday’s deadline (30 August).

Rovers chiefs are stepping up talks with their Rangers counterparts on Wednesday as they close in on a full agreement for his transfer.

Cantwell has not been involved for Philippe Clement’s side in pre-season after asking to leave, and has been training away from the first-team squad.

Todd Cantwell closing in on Rangers exit as Blackburn Rovers enter advanced talks

Cantwell moved to Rangers from Norwich in January 2023 and went on to make 64 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists.

He also played a key role in the club lifting the Scottish League Cup last season.

However, fans at Ibrox have been left frustrated by the midfielder’s off-field antics throughout his time in Glasgow – a trend which has continued over the summer.

As a result, he has been on the receiving end of plenty of criticism from the supporters and an exit from Ibrox has been long-coming.

He was also involved in a public bust-up with his manager shortly after he took charge which many suggest has never fully been resolved.

However, he remains highly regarded by English clubs after his time in the Championship with the Canaries and now looks set for a return south of the border.

Blackburn finished last season just three points clear of the relegation zone after dropping down the table and are desperate to avoid a worse fate this time around.

The sale of Sammie Szmodics to Ipswich has left them short of attacking midfield options to play behind the striker – and Cantwell has become their primary target to fill that position.

In other news, Rangers are in talks to sign a new defender after a Leon King exit twist

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