Revealed: Why Orlando City rejected loan offer from Blackburn Rovers for USMNT hopeful & MLS Rookie of the Year Duncan McGuire

The Athletic reports that the Lions will not entertain any loan offers whatsoever for their star striker, thus rejecting the English side's proposal. Mcguire, 22, bagged 15 goals and added two assists in his first professional season, winning MLS Rookie of the Year and making his U23 USMNT debut along the way as well.

McGuire is expected to play an integral role in the 2024 Paris Olympic games for the U23 USMNT. Due to the games' regulations, roster restrictions for the tournament won't allow every superstar like Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Matt Turner, Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun to compete.

The rules say: "Each team must be made up entirely of players born on or after 1 January 2001 (aged 23 at the time of Paris 2024). However, three (3) footballers born before the mentioned date, above the age limit, can be included in the squad list (18 players per team)."

With McGuire at the centerfold of the striker position for the tournament, all eyes will be on the goalscorer. If a January move comes about for the Lions forward, the team acquiring him will surely be looking ahead to the summer games - an opportunity to put his talent on display.

McGuire was selected sixth overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City - but they selected a different forward in Shakur Mohammed ahead of him with the second pick, as well.

The MLS side are in offseason mode, and McGuire is enjoying his time away from the pitch. If a transatlantic deal does come to fruition, the 22-year-old wouldn't be eligible to complete the move until January 1, when the winter transfer window opens. Until then, he's an Orlando player and will look ahead to the 2024 campaign, and opportunities with the national team in the upcoming calendar year.