Duncan McGuire: Blackburn Rovers could fail to complete deal after paperwork not lodged in time

Duncan McGuire, an MLS draft pick in 2023, scored 15 goals in his debut season in the MLS

Blackburn Rovers' proposed loan signing of Duncan Maguire from MLS side Orlando City could fail to go through after the club admitted submitting the transfer's registration documents late.

The 22-year-old had been announced as a loan signing with a view to a permanent move, but was not included in Saturday's squad to face QPR.

McGuire, a USA international, scored 15 goals in the 2023 season for Orlando.

The EFL board will consider the case on Thursday, the club said.

In their statement, the club added that all of the necessary signed paperwork had been completed prior to 22:00 GMT on Thursday's deadline but the administrative error meant the relevant forms were not sent on time.

Orlando have allowed McGuire, who was one of three deadline day signings made by Rovers, to stay in the UK until the hearing is complete.

"Should the appeal be refused then Blackburn Rovers will attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City over the coming weeks to enable the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens," the club continued.

Rovers' possible failure to complete the McGuire signing mirrors the situation with Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien in the 2023 window, which saw his move collapse after paperwork was not lodged within the time limit.

It also comes days after boss Jon Dahl Tomasson described Blackburn's off-field position as a "serious situation", and explained his absence from media duties last week at the behest of the club.