NUNO Gomes is expected to hold talks over his Blackburn Rovers future following his return for pre-season, his brother has confirmed.

Rovers’ first-team squad are back at Brockhall for the first day of pre-season training today as they start their preparations for the new campaign, which begins at Derby on August 4.

Chris Taylor, Alan Judge, Simon Eastwood and Todd Kane have already joined the club this summer but Rovers also keen to reduce their wage bill this summer as they prepare to fall into line with the Football League’s financial fair play regulations.

Managing director Derek Shaw confirmed in a recent interview that Rovers have been trying to move on some high wage earners who are surplus to requirements, although they have been met with frustration early in the summer with other clubs reluctant to take on such salaries.

But it is understood that Rovers are now moving closer to finalising one or two exits.

Defender Nuno Henrique has been pictured shaking hands on a deal to join Portuguese side Arouca for the season, while Gomes’ brother and agent Tiago Ribeiro has told the Lancashire Telegraph that discussions will be held over the striker’s future.

Ribeiro said earlier in the summer that his brother had no plans to push for an Ewood exit, but was taking a more cautious approach when asked if that situation still remained the same.

“He is back for pre-season today and then we will speak in the next few days,” Ribeiro said.

“We will see.”

Gomes grew frustrated by a lack of match action last season and could be tempted to agree an exit if he receives indications that he is unlikely to feature regularly during the new campaign.

The 36-year-old former Portugal international joined Rovers on a two-year deal last summer.

Rovers’ development squad returned for fitness tests yesterday - including Portuguese duo Paulo Jorge and Edinho Junior, back at the club after loan spells at the end of last season. Bradley Orr also took part in the session.

The majority of the first-team squad are back today, although some players have been given extra time off.

Jason Lowe has been away at the European Under 21 Championships, while Kane is due in on Monday after previously being scheduled to start pre-season with Chelsea next week.

“There are some coming back a little bit later because they’ve been playing through June and there are some coming back on different days,” Bowyer said.

“The squad’s competitive. There might be one or two who think their future lies elsewhere but until they come and see me everyone is reporting back for pre-season.”

Shebby Singh is understood to have returned to Pune after a brief return to his native Malaysia.

Singh remains in position as Rovers’ global advisor but has been sidelined from first-team matters in recent times.

Before arriving at Ewood Singh worked as head of football development in Asia for Rovers, helping to develop young talent in India, and could again play a part in that youth programme.

Former Rovers boss Henning Berg has missed out on the vacancy at Kilmarnock to Allan Johnston following an interview.