Blackburn Rovers urged to avoid "underwhelming" Sheffield Wednesday transfer | OneFootball

FLW's Blackburn Rovers fan pundit has given his verdict on the club's interest in Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

With the end of the January transfer window fast approaching, it is a crucial few days ahead for Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn have been dragged into the Championship relegation battle in recent months after a poor run of form, and Saturday's 1-1 draw with Watford at Ewood Park extended their winless run to seven league games.

Rovers currently sit 22nd in the table and are one point from safety, so the business done in the final days of the January window could determine whether they retain their place in the second tier or drop into League One.

Blackburn have made two new signings this month, with defender Eiran Cashin joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and striker Mathias Jorgensen arriving from Bodo/Glimt for what is believed to be a multi-million-pound fee, but manager Valerien Ismael has made no secret of his desire for further reinforcements before Monday's 7pm deadline.

One player on Rovers' radar is Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri, and The Star claim that the Lancashire outfit have returned with an improved £800,000 offer after their initial bid of around £750,000 was rejected earlier this week.

Cadamarteri has scored two goals in 29 appearances for the Championship's bottom side this season, and Blackburn are far from the only club chasing the 20-year-old's signature this month, with Millwall, Swansea City, Stoke City, Charlton Athletic, Luton Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Mansfield Town and Hibernian also thought to be keen.

Blackburn Rovers warned against Bailey Cadamarteri, Sheffield Wednesday deal

When asked if he would be underwhelmed by the signing of Cadamarteri, FLW's Blackburn Rovers fan pundit Simon Middlehurst admitted that he does not believe the Jamaica international would be an upgrade on the club's existing options, and he called on the board to instead target a proven striker in the remaining days of the window.

"It would be very underwhelming to say the least," Simon told FLW.

"It is no big secret that Blackburn are lacking goals this season if you're looking at our league position and our performances.

"We need a proven striker who has got experience and is able to come in, lead from the front, score goals and make those decisions that can win us games.

"We've not had that this season.

"So going in for a 20-year-old who has only scored twice isn't what we're after, in my opinion that's a step backwards.

"We really could have just kept Harry Leonard, who we released this summer and has gone to Peterborough and is having a great season.

"We should have just kept him if that was the case.

"We thought we were going to get someone who knew how to find the back of the net.

"It's very, very poor business from Blackburn."

January transfer failure could send Blackburn Rovers into League One as deadline looms

Only Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday have scored fewer goals than Blackburn in the Championship this season, so a lack of firepower in the forward areas has certainly contributed to their current predicament.

Cadamarteri is a player with a lot of potential, and it would be harsh to be too critical of his poor goal return this season given the side he is representing, but there is little to suggest he is ready to come in and lead the line for Rovers immediately in their battle against relegation.

Failure to bring in a proven number nine before the close of the window could be incredibly costly for Blackburn, but given the board's previous transfer missteps, supporters could be forgiven for doubting whether the necessary reinforcements will arrive in time.