"I think " - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit predicts Everton player's future as Blackburn Rovers chase transfer | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie spoke exclusively to FLW to predict the next destination for Everton's Harrison Armstrong, who is of interest to Blackburn Rovers

Everton prospect Harrison Armstrong has made a name for himself in the Championship since completing a loan switch to Derby County in the January window, and his performances in midfield could just help John Eustace's side to safety this term.

Armstrong, who had made six senior appearances for the Toffees in the first half of the current campaign before even celebrating his 18th birthday, represented an intriguing arrival at Pride Park. Deals of this ilk admittedly carry a risk element, with Derby spending much of the campaign battling against a swift return to League One, but Armstrong has proved a superb capture.

His cool, classy and composed displays in the middle of the park have offered a new, refreshing dimension alongside the more-industrious Ebou Adams, and Armstrong gained plaudits for his sweet volleyed finish - which marked his first senior goal - in the vitally-important 3-2 victory away to fellow strugglers Plymouth Argyle a month ago.

It's little wonder that Armstrong is attracting interest. As per The Sun's Alan Nixon - via his exclusive Patreon service - Blackburn Rovers are keen to take the 18-year-old midfielder on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, and other Championship clubs will only be expected to join the race in the coming weeks and months.

Lee Hendrie's Everton, Harrison Armstrong transfer prediction amid Blackburn Rovers interest

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, former Aston Villa defender and pundit Lee Hendrie has questioned whether Blackburn will be able to acquire Armstrong.

The Sky Sports pundit has predicted Armstrong to join a promotion-chasing Championship side on loan next season, believing such a move could get the very best out of the talented England youth international.

"Harrison Armstrong, he's being linked with Blackburn Rovers," Hendrie told FLW.

"Again, I think if a deal is on the table and it's worthy and is going to tick a box for Everton, then they may possibly take it.

"He's obviously been at Derby County on loan and had a decent spell there. He's still learning his trade, I personally think another loan spell at a top-six club, you might just see a different player in him.

"When you're in a relegation fight as Derby are, you do feel there's a big onus on players that go in there and they come under the most scrutiny.

"I'd certainly say a season on loan at a high-end club next season, which might just see him express [himself] and get the best out of him. He's a very good player."

Blackburn Rovers could struggle to sign Everton's Harrison Armstrong

Although Blackburn did spend large parts of this season competing for a play-off spot, there is scant evidence that Rovers will be strutting their stuff towards the top-end of the Championship next season, which could make a move for Armstrong difficult.

John Eustace's mid-season departure - to Derby, no less - was a seismic blow and Valerien Ismael has struggled to kick the side on following his exit. Ismael had to wait until Saturday afternoon's slender 1-0 victory over 23rd-placed Luton Town for his first win in charge, and Blackburn went on a five-match losing streak throughout March and the beginning of April as they lost to the likes of Derby, Stoke City, Cardiff and Portsmouth.

Ismael is under pressure from supporters and the picture at Ewood Park is bleak at this moment in time. Continual turmoil under the Venky's controversial ownership casts doubts about just what Blackburn can expect to achieve, with supporters citing a severe lack of ambition, investment and clarity.

Blackburn have had storied success with loan players in years gone by, Harvey Elliott and Taylor Harwood-Bellis among them, but it will surely be in Everton's best interests to send Armstrong to a more settled environment, while Ismael's pragmatic style may struggle to maximise the technically-gifted prospect's skillset.