John Eustace is still unclear whether Sam Szmodics will stay at Blackburn Rovers despite his goal-scoring return to the starting XI.

The forward has been the subject of intense speculation and offers from Ipswich Town. However, the Premier League club have still not met Rovers' valuation.

As a result, the club are pressing ahead with getting their main man up to full fitness. He's been reintegrated into the squad and has scored three times in a little more than 90 minutes worth of football.

Eustace conceded he still doesn't know whether Szmodics will remain at Ewood Park but reiterated his desire to retain the 28-year-old forward's services.

READ MORE: ROVERS PLAYER RATINGS AS SZMODICS SHOWS HIS CLASS

"I don't know, it's not down to me," Eustace said.

"Of course I want him to stay. He's been fantastic since I've been at the football club, the lads love him to bits.

"It's important he got 60 minutes, he hasn't played many pre-season games. That's half an hour Friday and 60 today, it's important we keep building his fitness up.

"He's very confident and playing with a great group of players, he's took his two chances today. He was very clinical and we've spoken about that.

"He's handling it exceptionally well. He wasn't with the group much over pre-season, this is his second game. He's a true professional, he's got on with his work and now it's down to us to get him as fit as we can for when the window shuts.

"It's down to the club, they're waiting for the right offer. They have a valuation and we'll have to see what happens and if it gets matched.

"It's out of my hands, I'm focused on the group, a fantastic group. We're giving him the right balance of keeping him fit and making sure the squad feel wanted and hungry. Of course, want to keep him, everyone would."

Eustace still wants four more signings, with a goalkeeper, full-back, midfield and wide man desired before the window shuts.

However, nothing is close at the moment in terms of incomings, according to the head coach.

"No, nothing close at the moment," he said.

"We need to keep adding to this group. We have to be competitive and there are areas we are very short on the field.

"We want to be a team that is building properly, I have spoken about that last year. We stayed in the league and now it's important to build properly and a proper football club. Not just for short-term success but long-term success and you can't do that without building properly."