John Eustace was tight-lipped on the future of Sam Szmodics but insisted he wants to keep Blackburn Rovers' star man.

The 28-year-old is the subject of intense interest from Ipswich Town. Rovers rejected a bid for him earlier this week but they may return with another offer.

Eustace said that his future is for the two clubs to resolve but he, of course, wants to retain his star player.

The Rovers head coach was coy on whether he would be involved in tomorrow's pre-season match at Wigan Athletic.

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"Listen, it's down to the two clubs, it's not down to me," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"Sam was magnificent for us last year, I want to keep him. He's a top player, I don't want to lose him. But what will be, will be.

"He's been a great servant to us, whatever happens. I have spoken to him on a few occasions and he just wants to get fit and ready for the first games of the season.

"He might be in the squad tomorrow, I am not too sure at the moment. We have to decide whether we think it's the right thing to do."

Rovers are moving closer in their bid to sign Yuki Ohashi, who is likely to be announced as their first summer signing next week, subject to medical checks.

Eustace insisted that whether Szmodics stays or leaves, the club need to recruit more players who can score goals consistently.

"I think it's very important whether he stays or goes that we have players lined up," he said.

"We need goals regardless. We need to bring the right players in that will make us better and will improve the team. 

"We need leaders in the team, we want to strengthen the middle of the pitch up. I want to make sure we have a competitive squad in all areas, whether Sammie goes or whether he stays.

"We need to be a competitive Championship team and we need the right players to make sure we do."