Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers are set to sign Crewe Alexandra star full-back Harry Pickering, according to reports.

Pickering has been one of the outstanding full-back talents in the lower leagues for the last couple of seasons, but it appears his time in Cheshire is coming to an end as Tony Mowbray’s side hope to conclude a deal.

The 22-year-old left-back has formed the deadliest left flank partnership in League One this season alongside winger Charlie Kirk, but the duo look set to be wrenched apart with Blackburn almost certain to beat Sheffield Wednesday to his signature, according to former agent James Goodwin.

Pickering’s ability should easily translate to the Championship after playing almost 150 games for the Railwaymen despite his tender years.

He has four goals this season and has assisted another two while also creating 27 chances for his teammates. His performances have helped Crewe climb the League One table to within four points of the play-off places.

His loss will be a blow to the Cheshire outfit but Alex have always been a selling club and it is a model that has worked well for them over the years.

Cardiff City have already snapped up their captain Perry Ng during the current window and it was only a matter of time before others would be moving on to bigger clubs.

Crewe will be looking to bounce back from a poor performance in mid-week that saw them thrashed 4-0 away at Gillingham. They take on out-of-form Ipswich Town at Gresty Road this weekend.