THE transfer traffic lights still seem to be stuck on red as Blackburn Rovers’ wait to bring in new signings heads into its final few days.

As the hours tick down towards Tuesday’s transfer deadline, Rovers need to ensure there isn’t unfinished business when the clock strikes 11pm on January 31.

Being 28 days in to a transfer window without seeing any additions isn’t a unique situation, but that won’t ease the concerns of the Rovers fans.

Ewood boss Owen Coyle has so far been left frustrated in his quest to bring in players - yet to receive the ‘green light’ as he has commented on many occasions in recent weeks.

Coyle cut something of an exasperated figure this week when once again pressed about the likelihood of incomings.

Additions may not be the defining factor in a survival battle which is looking precarious, but they would at least demonstrate to the long-suffering Rovers fans a level of ambition.

Coyle himself admits a level of investment is needed to help move the club forward.

Even Rovers midfielder Hope Akpan, in the club programme ahead of last weekend’s home game with Birmingham, said new signings would add a ‘spark’ and ‘impetus’ to the current group.

Much of the delay in bringing players in could well be attributed to Ben Marshall with Venky’s seemingly intent on holding out a fee close to £2m before allowing him to leave.

Getting somewhere close to that figure for an out-of-contract player who clearly doesn’t want to be at the club, and who has attracted firm interest from just one club in Wolves, would represent good business.

But the deal appears to have held up Rovers’ pursuit of new players and leaves everybody - from manager to supporters - in a state of flux.

It is unclear whether any, or all, of the cash raised by the potential sale of Marshall will be reinvested, and if any business into the club hinges entirely on that deal going through.

It’s a muddled picture.

The owners outlined in their recent annual accounts an aspiration is to get Rovers back in to the Premier League, but with revenues, and their league position, continuing to slide, it is a dream that is getting further and further away.

It is the here and now that needs addressing while it is clear that Rovers continue to be held back by financial mismanagement in previous years.

With the latest Ewood protest, a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup up for grabs, plus six vital league points up for grabs in the battle against the drop, as well as the transfer window closing, this could be a defining week for Rovers both on and off the field.