BLACKBURN Rovers’ hopes of signing David Jones have been given a boost after the midfielder was not included on Wigan’s retained list – while Dundee United’s loan bid for David Goodwillie has been rejected.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has confirmed that he is attempting to bring in Jones, above, on a free transfer after the 28-year-old impressed on loan from Wigan in the final months of the 2012/13 campaign.

Rovers face competition from other clubs for Jones and have also been waiting for news on whether Wigan would try to retain the former Wolves man, who is out of contract at the DW Stadium.

The Latics are still making a decision over their new manager following the departure of Roberto Martinez to Everton, but Jones was not included on the retained list published by the Premier League.

“David was excellent for us at the end of the season so we’ll see if we can get something sorted,” Bowyer said.

“We’re always hopeful but obviously he will have interest from other clubs.”

Rovers have had interest from a number of clubs in Goodwillie, with Dundee United keen to take the forward back to Tannadice on loan.

Whether Goodwillie moves is likely to depend on what percentage of the player’s wages interested parties are prepared to pay. Hearts, Aberdeen and an unnamed Championship club are also interested.

Of Dundee United’s hopes of securing a deal Bowyer said: “The offer is not good enough and there are other clubs interested.”

The Rovers boss continues to pursue potential signings saying: “We are still working on things and hopefully it will hot up in the next couple of weeks.

“We want to get players in who the supporters will be proud to have wearing the shirt.”

Meanwhile, David Bentley, who returned to Rovers on loan at the end of last season, was not included on Tottenham’s retained list. Fellow former Rovers loanee DJ Campbell was absent from QPR’s retained list.