Extraordinary Duncan McGuire transfer twist sees USMNT forward join Blackburn Rovers as they resurrect move on deadline day - while Orlando City star was stuck waiting in a hotel!

The last 24 hours have probably been the most hectic of McGuire's life after the USMNT forward saw a move from Orlando City to Blackburn fall through after he had already started his journey to England from the States to finalise the last few details. As he waited in a hotel, it was then reported that the striker could be heading to Sheffield Wednesday instead of Ewood Park after the failed transfer. However, in another twist, McGuire sealed the move to Blackburn just before the window closed after the Championship club returned to the negotiation table late on.

After a whirlwind 24 hours, Rovers finally managed to get the transfer over the line before the window closed. The 22-year-old scored 15 goals and provided three assists last season in what was his first year in professional football. He will be a massive addition to Blackburn as they look to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone in the Championship, with Jon Dahl Tomasson's side sitting eight points clear of the drop zone as it stands.

Thanks to McGuire's essential contributions last season, Orlando City made it to the Major League Soccer playoffs, reaching the quarter-finals before their loss to Columbus Crew. For his efforts throughout the year, McGuire was nominated for MLS's Rookie of the Year award for 2023.

McGuire could very well be in the running to make his debut for Rovers when they take on QPR on Saturday, February 3. Indeed, he will hope to do enough during the second half of the season in England to secure his place in Gregg Berhalter's USMNT squad, with their next game being against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals in March.