Villarreal expect a busy final week of transfer negotiations as club president Fernando Roig insisted: ‘there will be news’.

That comes as the La Liga club are said to have tabled a five-year contract offer to Ben Brereton which would take effect in the summer when his Rovers deal expires.

Should that be the case then Rovers wouldn’t recoup any money for their top scorer who has 10 goals in all competitions.

Clubs outside of England are free to speak with the 23-year-old about the prospect of a pre-contract agreement given he is into the final six months of his deal at Ewood Park.

That looks the most likely scenario, with Villarreal leading the race for his signature.

There have been suggestions the Spanish side could look to push forward with a potential January addition for Brereton which would require them to negotiate a transfer fee for the Chile international.

That comes with two Villarreal attackers linked with Premier League moves.

Nicolas Jackson is a target for Southampton, while reports had suggested Arnaut Danjuma had agreed a loan deal with Everton. That could now be impacted by the sacking of Frank Lampard, although his former club Bournemouth are keen on a reunion.

However, Villarreal’s finances are likely to dictate that a short-term loan move for a striker, to supplement star man Gerard Moreno, appears the likely route for the club in the final week of the window.

“One thing is being dealt with and the other. There will be news,” said Roig, who anticipates a busy week of dealings.

Roig has previously outlined that the January window would be one of raising funds, rather than splashing the cash, and given Rovers would still want a large fee for Brereton, a January move does seem unlikely.

Brereton himself remains relaxed about his future and has previously indicated that he would see out his deal.

A move to Villarreal would be an attractive proposition given they are only outside of the Champions League spots on goal difference, sitting fifth in the table.

When asked about concerns over Brereton’s situation, given his ability to speak with overseas clubs, Jon Dahl Tomasson told the Lancashire Telegraph last week: “No, that’s the reality.

“Is it a concern? No, not at all.

“We know the situation, how it is.

“I know the situation regarding Ben that he’s out of contract in the summer.

“The only thing we can expect from Ben is for him to do his best which he’s doing.

“Sometimes he can be brilliant, sometimes maybe performing less like every player in the world, and there are some days where maybe he’s not on it.”

Brereton, who is without a goal since the November 5 win over Huddersfield Town, returned to the starting line-up at Bristol City having missed the Rotherham United defeat as he attended the birth of his son.