Blackburn Rovers player told what to do as Man Utd and Newcastle United eye moves | OneFootball

FLW's Blackburn fan pundit has commented on the rumours linking their academy starlet to some of England's biggest clubs

As soon as Tom Atcheson started to break into the Blackburn Rovers squad, the rumour mill started churning and linking the 19-year-old to numerous big Premier League clubs.

TeamTalk have reported that Atcheson was on the radar of seven top-flight sides, namely Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, and for good reason as well, as the young centre-back has been impressive in bursts this season.

The 19-year-old has only played 12 times in the senior squad at Ewood Park, with 10 appearances coming this season. He made his Championship bow in December, but has started to establish himself in the squad regularly under Michael O'Neill, starting each of the last three games and helping Rovers to clean sheets in all of them.

Evidently, O'Neill admires him, as the dual Blackburn and Northern Ireland manager also handed Atcheson his senior debut for the Green and White Army in the recent international break against Wales.

So, there's plenty to be excited about regarding Atcheson, and despite extending his contract at Ewood Park recently, Rovers will be preparing for interest from big sides this upcoming summer.

Blackburn Rovers fan pundit urges Tom Atcheson to remain at Ewood Park this summer

Blackburn are in a strong position in the ongoing relegation battle, with their current four-game unbeaten run leaving them six points clear of Leicester City, who occupy the final relegation spot, heading into the final five games of the campaign.

Atcheson has played a key part in that run, and Blackburn fans are hoping that they'll be able to enjoy the 19-year-old at their club for a little longer than just a few months, despite interest from Premier League sides.

FLW's Rovers fan pundit, Simon Middlehurst, acknowledges these reports, understanding the hype that can surround a young centre-back who is thriving in a relegation battle and has just made his senior debut for his national team, too.

"It always seems the case when a young player gets a good run of games in the Championship, and he's also recently got his first international cap for Northern Ireland, too," Middlehurst said.

"When a young player gets exposure like that, then there'll be rumours that Premier League sides will be looking at him, too.

"To be honest, I think that he needs to establish himself regularly in the Championship. He has the potential to do that, and it's just whether he can fulfil that at Blackburn or not."

Understandably, Middlehurst wants Atcheson to fulfil that potential at Ewood Park. Not only would that help Blackburn in the short-term on the field, but a couple of good seasons would only serve to maximise his price if he does end up leaving the club.

Only then should there be rumours about him jumping ship — at least, that's what the fan pundit hopes.

"It's the same old, same old. Young player in the Championship with a good string of games and an international call-up behind him. Straight away, there are reports and rumours of clubs looking at him," he said.

"I think he needs to establish himself as a Blackburn regular before anything gets bandied about him."

Remaining at Blackburn Rovers this summer would be the sensible choice for Tom Atcheson

While there's no denying the quality that Atcheson has at such a young age, and therefore the Premier League potential that he has, it would be way too early in his career to make the jump this upcoming summer.

Right now, no top-flight side would be ready to integrate a 19-year-old centre-back into their senior squad, especially one that has hardly played senior football at his previous club, so it would result in even more youth team outings, with the odd cup appearance thrown in there, too.

With Atcheson starting to break through into the setup in the Championship, it would make sense for him to continue in that role for at least a full season. If he can establish himself as a top operator in the second tier for a full year, interest in him will not only increase, but it'll be more legitimate and with a view to him making that step-up into the first team.

The 19-year-old extended his stay at Ewood Park to kick off April, and while it wasn't disclosed how long the new deal was for, it indicates that Blackburn is prepared to bat back any approaches for their latest starlet, which, ultimately, should prove to be the smart choice for all parties.