Doncaster Rovers: Jordan Houghton becomes free agent after Chelsea release

Houghton spent all of last season and half of the previous campaign on loan at the Keepmoat.

Rovers agreed a permanent deal with Chelsea in January for Houghton’s services only for the player himself to back out of the move at the 11th hour, feeling he needed time to ponder his options as he prepared to leave the club to which he had been signed since a boy.

Instead, he agreed to extend his loan deal with both Houghton and then-boss Darren Ferguson saying they would readdress a permanent move in the summer.

When last speaking publicly about reigniting a permanent move for Houghton, Ferguson insisted a decision had not been taken.

In the later stages of the season, Luke McCullough regularly occupied the defensive midfield role when available with Houghton pushed further forward.

The budgetary issues which led to Ferguson’s resignation last Monday will have played a significant role in the decision whether or not to further pursue and move for Houghton.

As Chelsea did not offer Houghton a new contract, the Premier League giants would not be eligible for a young player compensation fee when he joins a new club.

Meanwhile, the deadline for applications to replace Ferguson will pass at 5pm on Monday.