John Eustace hasn't closed the door on either Kyle McFadzean or John Fleck returning to Blackburn Rovers.

Both players are now free agents after their short-term deals expired following moves to Ewood Park in January.

In their retained list, Rovers stated that the club were in talks with both players over their futures. However, there have been no official updates since.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported that a deal was agreed in principle for McFadzean to stay. However, that has not been finalised and no paperwork has been signed.

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There has been interest in the 37-year-old elsewhere. He already turned down one move in favour of staying at Rovers but with a contract yet to be formalised, he could move on.

Similarly, Fleck is free to sign elsewhere. It was anticipated that the 32-year-old might train with Rovers in pre-season to earn a new deal but that has not been the case.

Despite neither player being at Rovers in pre-season so far, Eustace has not shut the door on them returning for the upcoming campaign.

"I think they are still in talks with the club about coming in," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"Hopefully, we'll have some positive news with them over the next couple of weeks.

"I believe John is fit again now. I'm sure he could come and train with us if the boy wants to."

McFadzean and Eustace both made it clear they would like to see the defender stay at the club. With Scott Wharton injured, Rovers have only two centre-backs fit and available who have Championship experience.

Connor O'Riordan and Pat Gamble got minutes in the second half of Rovers' pre-season win over Accrington Stanley but it's clear that defensive reinforcements are needed.

Considering Eustace's tendency to switch between a back four and a five-man defence, Rovers need five centre-back options. Signing McFadzean seems a no-brainer and yet, there hasn't been much progress.