John Eustace believes Blackburn Rovers don't require major surgery to compete in the Championship next season.
Rovers finished three points above the relegation zone but were fighting for the play-offs before the turn of the year. A terrible run in 2024 saw them plummet down the table and narrowly avoid the drop.
Attention has now turned to the summer transfer window and how Rovers can bolster their squad. Financial issues restricted the work they could do on the squad last summer.
However, Venky's have been told they can fund Rovers at their wish, as long as they match each pound with a personal guarantee. With the sale of Adam Wharton, a windfall from David Raya and the new EFL deal, the accounts look far healthier.
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Reflecting on what might be a busy summer, Eustace explained that Rovers need strengthening in a few areas but he doesn't believe they're far off from being a 'good Championship team'.
"We'll have to wait and see. We'll be having a few days off and a couple of days break. The boys deserve that," he said after the win at Leicester City.
"Hopefully, then we can sit down and rebuild the team. We don't need massive changes. There are two or three areas I want to improve.
"The squad has shown a togetherness which is key and how good they can be on their day. Of course, nobody wants that (a repeat).
"Days at Elland Road and days like Sunderland, home games where we have dominated teams but haven't been clinical enough, the team isn't a long way from being a really good Championship team.
"We have to be level-headed and improve the squad as much as we can and see where it takes us."
Rovers are in talks with Kyle McFadzean to extend his contract for next season. The retained list is also expected to confirm the 12-month extensions of Sam Gallagher and Tyrhys Dolan's contract.
John Fleck is unlikely to win a new deal and so will leave the club, along with returning loanees Andrew Moran, Billy Koumetio and Ben Chrisene.
With Scott Wharton ruled out for the majority of next season, centre-back will be an area Rovers need to strengthen. Dom Hyam, Hayden Carter and McFadzean would be the senior options left, with Connor O'Riordan in the frame too.
Cover in both full-back areas are obvious holes to fill, as is the forward line, with a centre-forward high on the list of priorities. Duncan McGuire remains on the table for Rovers as a possible signing.
The Lancashire Telegraph revealed last week that the USA forward will leave Orlando City this summer. Rovers have not made a formal bid but have been asked to be informed of any developments and have remained in contact with the club and player since the deal fell through.
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