---
title: "Leeds: Whites target Joe Rothwell could join Rangers"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-whites-target-joe-rothwell-could-join-rangers/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2021-10-19T16:40:27Z"
modified: "2021-10-19T16:40:27Z"
---

# Leeds: Whites target Joe Rothwell could join Rangers

**Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Joe Rothwell looks likely to join Rangers from Blackburn Rovers, acting as a blow for Victor Orta and co.**

### The Lowdown: Rothwell impresses for Blackburn

The 26-year-old is a key man for Blackburn, already [chipping in with four assists](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/260784/Show/Joe-Rothwell) in 12 Championship starts this season, as well as scoring once.

Manager Tony Mowbray has [hailed](https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/blackburn-rovers-joe-rothwell-praise-21357958) Rothwell as a ‘super talent’ in the past and he has made a total of [131 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-rothwell/alletore/spieler/183293) for the club to date.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″\]

### The Latest: Rangers to beat Leeds to signature

According to [*TEAMtalk*](https://www.teamtalk.com/newcastle-united/steven-gerrard-rangers-coup-leeds-magpies-target-joe-rothwell-blackburn), Leeds are considered a potential suitor for the midfielder but the outlet claim that Rangers are in pole position to sign him.

Rothwell’s current deal [expires](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-rothwell/profil/spieler/183293) at the end of this season, at which point [midfield legend](https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/23-best-quotes-steven-gerrard-one-fairytales/) Steven Gerrard could snap him up on a free transfer.

As well as Leeds, fellow Premier League sides Newcastle United, Burnley, Southampton, Brighton and Crystal Palace have all shown an interest, too.

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-21/)

### The Verdict: Not a disaster

While Rothwell is clearly an influential player at Championship level, losing out to Rangers shouldn’t be considered a disaster for Leeds, even though it could be considered a disappointment.

Much like Lewis O’Brien, he could be an effective squad player for the Whites, improving the depth at Marcelo Bielsa’s disposal, but he is unlikely to be a game-changer.

Leeds needs to be looking at superior midfield options, especially with [question marks](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-united-red-devils-set-sights-on-kalvin-phillips/) still surrounding Kalvin Phillips’ future.

***In other news, Gary Neville has mocked Leeds United – find out why [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-gary-neville-mocks-whites-poor-form/).***