TONY Mowbray believes Connor Mahoney will ‘test the market’ and doesn’t expect the attacker to sign a new deal at Blackburn Rovers this summer.

Rovers have offered the 20-year-old fresh terms at the club but it appears Mahoney will seek pastures new with his current contract set to expire.

Mowbray has spoken with Mahoney on a number of occasions over his future, advising the homegrown winger that it would be in his best interests to stay at Ewood Park.

But the head coach admits it seems likely that the winger will be moving on, despite his best attempts.

When asked if he was resigned to losing Mahoney, Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I think that is a question for Connor.

“I have sat opposite and spoke with him two or three times and tried to advise him on his career.

“For me he should stay and play 100 games for this club over the next two seasons and if his talent dictates that he outgrows us and he has an offer from the Premier League, and we’re stuck in the Championship in two years time, then I wouldn’t stand in his way.

“Personally I have told him that the most important thing is that he plays football.

“If he goes and gets a better contract offer but is sat on the bench then they would be wasted years for him.

“It does not look like that advice has been heeded, it looks as though he is going to test the market, but all I can do is advise him to think about football and then his talent will decide everything else.”

Mahoney moved to Ewood Park in December 2013 from neighbours Accrington Stanley and made his Rovers debut the following month as a substitute in the FA Cup third round replay at Manchester City.

He has gone on to make a further 20 appearance for Rovers in the following three seasons, with more than half of those coming under Mowbray who arrived at the club in February.

Rovers turned down loan offers for Mahoney in January, when a new contract offer was made, but he has plenty of admirers after impressive performances in the final months of the season.

Mowbray says he won’t give up hope of Mahoney staying, but expects to be sourcing a replacement this summer.

He added: “I won’t close the door.

“He can always pick the phone up and speak to me, he knows where I am, but it does not look like that is going to be the case.”

With Mahoney being under the age of 24, and having been offered a new deal, Rovers would be due compensation from any team looking to sign him.

Any side looking to snare Mahoney would need to agree a compensation fee with Rovers, or see that set by a tribunal if it cannot be agreed. However, that figure would be well below Mahoney’s true market value.