How much money Blackburn Rovers will have to pay to seal Stockport County transfer agreement | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers head coach Valerien Ismael is eyeing up a move for Stockport County defender Ethan Pye

Blackburn Rovers head coach Valerien Ismael is eyeing up a move for Stockport County defender Ethan Pye, as complications arise surrounding Legia Warsaw's Steve Kapuadi.

The Manchester-born centre-half joined Stockport as an 18-year-old from Rochdale's development squad in 2021 for no transfer fee - and initially struggled to break into the first team.

After successful loan spells at Spennymoor Town and Gateshead, where he was named Players' Player of the Year in 22/23 - Pye returned to Edgeley Park to become a key member of their title-winning campaign.

He made 42 appearances across all competitions during the 23/24 season, forming a formidable partnership with Fraser Horsfall - who signed for Blackpool earlier this window.

However, while Stockport failed to gain promotion to the Championship after being eliminated in the play-off semi-finals on penalties to Leyton Orient, Pye himself could be en-route to the second-tier - if the Hatters' asking price is met amid interest from Blackburn, of course.

Blackburn Rovers make initial approach for Stockport County's Ethan Pye

As per Alan Nixon's Patreon, Ismael and Blackburn have approached Stockport regarding the availability of 22-year-old Ethan Pye, but are reportedly yet to submit a formal bid.

This is apparently due to the Hatters' £3m asking price being higher than Rovers' valuation of the player.

The young defender's performances in that promotion season earned him Stockport's Young Player of the Year award and a nomination for League Two Young Player of the Season - so it's clear to see why a Championship side is interested.

Manager Dave Challinor has praised Pye's devlopment, saying to the club's official website when he signed a new contract, "Ethan has had a fantastic season and although still under contract as such, we all recognise the improvement in him and how important he has become to our team."

Blackburn's Ethan Pye transfer pursuit could intensify following Legia Warsaw, Steve Kapuadi news

Nixon also reported that Blackburn could go all out for Pye due to complications surrounding their alternative defensive target.

Polish side Legia Warsaw are reportedly pricing Congolese defender Steve Kapuadi out of a move, with Nixon saying Rovers are currently at around £1.5m.

Kaupaudi has been a regular for Legia Warsaw since joining from Wisła Płock in 2023 - but is believed to want a move to England with his contract coming to its final year.

Following this apparent development, Rovers could very well turn their full attention towards Pye - but as he's under contract until 2027, it's unclear to see whether the £3m asking price will be lowered at all.