Tyrhys Dolan has not ruled out extending his stay at Blackburn Rovers and wants to assume the role of talisman this season.

The 22-year-old has one year left on his contract at Ewood Park. Discussions have been ongoing for around 12 months to extend that stay but an agreement is yet to be reached.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported last month that Dolan and Rovers had agreed that he'll stay at the club this summer, barring any major late offers. A new deal hasn't been ruled out with Dolan to assess his future throughout the summer.

With Sam Szmodics still looking likely to join Ipswich Town, there are boots to fill. Playing in a new position, in the number 10 role Szmodics occupied, Dolan hopes to emulate his output and become the main man.

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"That's the conversation that I've had with the staff. I want to play in that position," he told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"I haven't played there consistently before I came to Blackburn and that's what I feel is my main position.

"I'm not at my best yet, there is a lot more to come. I'm excited for the season to start, I feel fit and sharp and I want to put a marker down, solidify a spot and that's something I've wanted to do for four seasons now so this is the one where I can do it, hopefully.

"I want to step up. I want to be the one people look at and say 'He's going to win us games'. Hopefully, I can do that this season.

"I've been working hard on and off the pitch so it would be nice to reap some rewards from that.

"I'm sure it'll happen and I can look after the team, score some goals."

Dolan's future will be a topic of conversation throughout the next 12 months. That is part and parcel of football.

He insisted he loves Blackburn and his sole focus is to repay some of their faith in the next 12 months.

"What's going on is above me. I want to give 100 per cent to Blackburn," he said.

"It's a club I love so much, I have been through so much at the club. On the pitch and off the pitch, I have faced tough things in my life and they have been there to support me. 

"I want to do the best I can for the club, the supporters, my family. I love it here and I want to have a great season to give back the love they have given me.

"All the contract stuff is above me. I am not ruling out anything. I just want to enjoy my football and do my best for the club."

Rovers have significantly bolstered their options in the last week with five new faces for the first team. There were already early signs of a relationship between Makhtar Gueye and Dolan in the first half.

"It's good to see them come in. They have come from different countries but they have gelled. The boys have all made them feel welcome," Dolan said.

"It's a different culture for them, a different style of football. I'm sure they'll adapt to it, they looked good today and the team are here to support them.

"Me and Makhtar have a had a few conversations already. I get on with him well and I hope we'll have a good relationship.

"I've said I can work off him, if he brings it down I'll be there and if he flicks it, I'll run in-behind. It's about learning about each other and working to our strengths."

"It's the Championship experience we needed, they have been there and done it.

"It's nice for us as a young squad to learn from them, get advice from them. We know there will be good times and bad, we know they can speak to the boys and see us through. It's great to have them in the building.

The new season is now less than one week away. The dress rehearsals are over and it's the real thing against Derby County at Ewood Park on Friday night.

After an extended spell to work with Eustace, Dolan is excited about what's to come.

"It was my first 90 minutes, I took a knock and came off in the Wigan game," he said on the Stockport win.

"To win the game going into the first game of the season is always positive. 

"It's been a tough pre-season but very good, very enjoyable. The team have worked hard. 

"It would be nice for everything to come together for the first game of the season. The gaffer came in during a difficult period, the main aim was to keep us up and he did that.

"Now we're excited to learn his foundations and execute that. I'm sure we'll continue to get better under him.

"I'm excited for the new season, I have missed it whilst I have been off. I'm happy to be back playing, I want to play as much football as I can, stay fit and do the right work."