ROVERS are ‘pretty much there’ with a new deal for star man Bradley Dack, with boss Tony Mowbray hoping a contract will be confirmed in the near future.

Rovers have tied down Richie Smallwood, Derrick Williams and Darragh Lenihan to new and improved deals so far this summer and are keen to add Dack to the list.

The playmaker enjoyed a stunning debut season at Ewood Park last term, scoring 18 goals and winning the League One player of the year honour as he fired Rovers to promotion back to the Championship.

The 24-year-old signed a three-year deal with the option of a fourth when he joined from Gillingham last summer but Rovers have been keen to reward him for his stellar performances last season.

And Mowbray said the deal discussions are nearly complete.

“It has been pretty much there for a few weeks,” he said. “I am pretty relaxed, I have no reason not to be relaxed with Bradley. He has three years left I think.

“I just wanted to reward him for his great season last year but next season is a different challenge. He hasn’t kicked a ball in the Championship but we will hopefully get that resolved sooner rather than later but if not there is no panic.”

Dack played in a more advanced role in the friendly draw with Port Vale on Saturday, supporting Dominic Samuel in the first half before playing alongside Joe Nuttall after the break.

The playmaker was replaced on the hour but Mowbray said his appearance up front was not an indication of him playing as part of a front two this season, instead saying Dack will continue to be afforded the free role he performed so well in last term.

“Bradley will play where the game dictates,” said Mowbray. “We will allow him to go deep if he wants to get a kick of the ball and join in and he can find himself further forward and start higher.

“It wasn’t about the shape of the formation it was about giving players time on the pitch.”