John Eustace has suggested Blackburn Rovers could walk away from a deal to sell Sam Szmodics if Ipswich Town don't meet their valuation soon.

The two clubs have been in talks for a number of weeks about a deal for Rovers' top-scorer. Szmodics has missed the last three pre-season matches, as a result, which has been a disruption to their plans.

With the clubs still apart on their valuation for the 28-year-old, Eustace is keen for a line to be drawn. He again reiterated that he wants to retain his star player and didn't rule out him being involved against Derby County if a deal isn't sorted soon.

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"He's still in talks with Ipswich, I believe, so we'll have to see what happens," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"Listen, Sammie is a top player, I don't want to lose him as a head coach but we'll have to see what happens on that."

When asked if there comes a point a line has to be drawn in the sand, he added: "I am sure there is a deadline and I think we're just waiting on that over the weekend, I think.

"He's been training, he has been his bubbly self around the place. If he stays then he will be involved for sure."

Jake Garrett is set to leave Rovers on loan shortly to join Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan. 

The midfielder won the club's Young Player of the Year award last season but is set to move to League One to get regular game time this term. The 21-year-old didn't feature much at the end of last season and will get his first taste of senior football away from Ewood Park.

"It doesn't matter where he gets the games, Jake is a very talented young player who I've enjoyed working with," Eustace explained on the deal.

"He needs to go out and get a good run of games at whatever level it is. When he comes back to Blackburn, he'll be a much better player for it."