Rovers could revisit their pursuit of Oxford United midfielder Joe Rothwell this summer.

Chief executive Steve Waggott revealed that some of Rovers’ January transfer kitty had gone unspent due to unrealistic fees for players at that time.

Former Manchester United youngster Rothwell, who played against Rovers on the final day of the season, was one player who the club tracked in the winter window.

The 23-year-old is out of contract at the Kassam Stadium and indications are that he won’t be signing the new deal which has been offered to him.

That means he could be available for a cut-price fee or see a price set by a tribunal.

Ewood boss Tony Mowbray made midfield his main area of recruitment last summer with the additions of Richie Smallwood and Peter Whittingham on free transfers.

Twelve months on it remains a position the Rovers boss is looking to strengthen, with Manchester City youngster Jacob Davenport another on the radar.

Rothwell is experienced in League One having made 73 of his 76 senior league appearances at that level.

He featured three times in the Championship for Blackpool during a loan spell in 2015, including a substitute appearance in a 1-1 draw with Rovers at Ewood.

Meanwhile, Rovers hope to conclude contract talks with a number of their players before heading off to Austria for their pre-season tour on June 24.

League One player of the year Bradley Dack is among those set to be rewarded for guiding the club to promotion at the first attempt.

The 24-year-old, who netted 18 goals in a trophy-laden season, is expected to commit his future to Rovers by agreeing an improved deal.

Darragh Lenihan, who earned his first cap for Republic of Ireland last week, is another in talks with Rovers over a new contract as he heads in to the final 12 months of his current deal.

Midfielder Smallwood, an ever-present in 2017/18, is also among those in line for an improved contract as Rovers look to tie down key members of their squad.

Of those out of contract, the club remain in discussions with Craig Conway and Danny Graham.

Both are understood to want to remain at the club ahead of the Championship return, with offers of one year deals on the table.