Ryan Hedges: Blackburn Rovers sign Wales midfielder from Aberdeen

Ryan Hedges (left) was out of contract in summer

Blackburn Rovers have signed Aberdeen winger Ryan Hedges on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The Wales international has scored five goals in 22 appearances for the Dons this season.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has also said midfielder Joe Rothwell, 27, "will not be leaving" in the January transfer window unless replacements come in.

"This is not Hedges coming in for Rothwell," Mowbray told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Hedges, whose contract has the option of an additional 12 months, is Rovers' fourth signing of the January transfer window following the earlier arrivals of James Brown, Deyovaisio Zeefuik and Dilan Markanday.

The former Swansea and Barnsley player had been at Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen since 2019, scoring 18 times in 86 appearances.

Speaking after Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Luton, Mowbray said Hedges' arrival would not mean the departure of Rothwell, despite the midfielder being left out of the squad at Kenilworth Road after he "expressed a desire" to talk to other clubs in the hope of securing a move.

"We're not daft, Joe Rothwell will not be leaving," Mowbray added.

"I understand how difficult it is for the owners to accept money for one of our better players when we're doing well.

"The job is to strengthen every transfer window. We can't leave the team worse off.

"Joe won't get a move unless other moves are done."

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