Blackburn Rovers' waiting game for a breakthrough in the transfer window continues with the new Championship season looming.

John Eustace will hope next week brings a first senior signing of the summer to bolster his squad as the days tick down until Derby County at Ewood Park.

The head coach has been crystal clear about what he wants from this the recruitment team this summer. He is not looking for a mass overhaul but 'four or five' significant additions to help the first XI and bulk out the squad.

Having lost six players, in the form of loans and out-of-contract players, from last season's team, it's not an unreasonable demand. Two further players, in Semir Telalovic and Leopold Wahlstedt, have been sold.

READ MORE: LIAM COOPER TRANSFER LATEST AFTER ROVERS TALKS

The loan market is going to clearly be very important to Rovers. They don't have a lot to work with and, as we know, additions at the top end of the pitch are the most costly.

That is the area that Eustace has emphasised the need for improvement. His message was clear at the end of last season and in brief conversations during pre-season too.

So if Eustace was to get his 'four or five' players, what areas are most in need and where could Rovers perhaps 'get by'?

Two centre-backs are a must. If the head coach has any interest in having the flexibility of switching from a back four to a five-man defence, he needs reinforcements.

Scott Wharton is effectively out for the season, anything better would be a bonus. Connor O'Riordan would be part of the group alongside Hayden Carter and Dom Hyam. 

Competition for Aynsley Pears has to take another of the slots. Rovers can't go into the Championship season with the 26-year-old as their only goalkeeper with any Championship experience. Jack Barrett and Joe Hilton are competing to be third-choice options, with the possibility of loan moves still within that department.

Full-back is perhaps the area that Rovers could get away with sticking with what they have. Callum Brittian and Harry Pickering are the starters but Joe Rankin-Costello and Hayden Carter can cover on the right side.

Plus, there is Leo Duru and Jake Batty, who could make their breakthrough if they impress in pre-season. Georgie Gent could provide wing-back cover but he's more of an attacking option than a defensive one. Brittain has also played on the left before too.

So we have a goalkeeper and two centre-backs. Central midfield, in the grand scheme of things, is fine. They have five options and if they only signed five players, there are other priority areas.

A centre-forward to compete with Sam Gallagher would be one of those. Harry Leonard is out injured at the moment and Rovers have been way too reliant on Gallagher in recent seasons.

Another versatile forward, someone with pace who can stretch a defence, would be my pick too. Ideally, someone who can cover the width of the pitch.

So if Eustace was to get his wish and sign five players this summer. Those are the priority positions to fill out and maximise the squad.