Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of Nottingham Forest forward Ben Brereton.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest prospects, the 19-year-old joins on an initial loan deal, with an option of this becoming a permanent move when the transfer window opens on January 1st 2019.

A graduate of Forest’s Academy, Brereton made his first team debut against Leeds United in January 2017, aged just 17.

He went on to score his first senior goal 10 days later – a stunning stoppage-time winner at home to Aston Villa – and netted twice more in the Championship before his 18th birthday.

The highly-rated attacker signed a new long-term contract at the City Ground in June 2017, before helping fire England’s Under-19s to UEFA European Championship glory a month later.

Having scored the winner against Holland and two against Germany in the group stage, Brereton finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer and was a second-half substitute as the Young Lions defeated Portugal 2-1 in the final.

After a successful summer, Brereton went on to have an impressive first full season in Forest colours last term. The talented teenager made 39 appearances, producing a string of standout performances and scoring six goals, including a penalty against Arsenal in a 4-2 victory in the FA Cup.

A player who combines pace, power and terrific technical ability, Brereton could make his Rovers debut in Sunday’s Championship clash with Bristol City and will wear the number 19 shirt during his time at Ewood Park.

Welcome aboard, Ben.