Blackburn Rovers ruled out of Barnsley FC transfer race - Rudy Gestede factor mentioned | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers may struggle to land a move for Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary.

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…

Blackburn Rovers may struggle to meet Barnsley's financial demands amid their interest in signing winger Reyes Cleary.

Rovers have launched a second bid of £1.5million for Cleary, as the Lancashire outfit vie to retain their Championship status, but the League One club value the 21-year-old at £5m.

Valerien Ismael's men drew 1-1 with Watford at Ewood Park on Saturday, leaving them in the relegation zone after Portsmouth drew 1-1 with bitter rivals Southampton on Sunday.

Meanwhile, some Blackburn supporters boycotted their side's encounter with the Hornets in protest against the Venky's ownership of the Championship strugglers.

Blackburn Rovers warned they will miss out on Reyes Cleary amid financial situation - Rudy Gestede claim ade

Rovers have utilised the January transfer window to sign former Derby County defender Eiran Cashin on loan from Brighton, and Mathias Jorgensen on a permanent deal from Bodo/Glimt, while they have also made advances for Cleary.

Amid the Ewood Park outfit's interest in the Barnsley man, Football League World asked our Blackburn fan pundit, Simon Middlehurst, if he could see a deal being done, or if the Championship side should look elsewhere, given the clubs' difference in valuations.

Middlehurst told FLW: "I don't see a deal being done at all. Rudy Gestede doesn't seem like the best person when it comes to negotiating, so I can't really see anything being done.

"We can't afford that money anyway. It's pretty certain that we're looking for players on the cheap, or freebies, or loans because we don't have any money.

"Also, Blackburn aren't going to sign someone soon. There's a lot of stuff going on on social media at the minute with the boycott and leaked phone messages, and phone calls. It's just not a great time for Blackburn at the minute."

Blackburn relegation fears will be compounded if they miss out on Reyes Cleary

Cleary has been a standout performer for Barnsley this term, scoring five goals and producing seven assists in 19 League One appearances.

Despite the former West Brom man's efforts, the South Yorkshire club are just four points clear of the third-tier drop zone, following Saturday's 2-2 draw at Reading.

However, the Tykes boast three games in hand on League One relegation rivals such as Northampton Town, and even four games in hand on fellow bottom-half outfits Leyton Orient and Blackpool.

Contrastingly, Rovers are in the Championship drop zone, having played one game more than 21st-place Portsmouth, and could be set for an unwanted third-tier return.

Saturday's events, which saw some supporters boycott the fixture against Watford, shows how divided the Blackburn fanbase is, amid the Venky's ongoing, failing ownership.

Missing out on Cleary's services, would cause further disgruntlement, while he is also a talented player who appears able to re-adjust to the Championship.