Rovers are being held up in their pursuit of a Premier League attacker after he travelled with his parent club to America for their pre-season tour.

Ewood boss Tony Mowbray is keen to add to his forward line and it is understood he has held positive discussions with Manchester City about one of their exciting prospects.

Rovers have already signed Jacob Davenport from the Etihad on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

And Rovers’ positive relationship with the Premier League champions could see them bring in another of their young players, though the deal looks set to drag on until later this month.

City face Bayern Munich on Saturday, Liverpool on July 26 and Borussia Dortmund on July 29 in pre-season friendlies before returning to the UK. 

Liverpool’s Ryan Kent has been linked with Rovers having played under Mowbray while at Coventry in 2015/16. The 21-year-old could come up against Rovers tonight when the Reds visit in a friendly.

But he isn’t thought to be Mowbray’s main target at this stage, though he is aiming to add at least two attacking players to his ranks before the start of the Championship season.

Since the end of last season Rovers have lost attacking quartet Adam Armstrong, Harry Chapman, Jack Payne and Marcus Antonsson after they returned to their parent clubs.

Danny Graham has agreed a new deal, but Dominic Samuel and Joe Nuttall are the only other striking options while Rovers are also short in the wide areas.

They are positions that Mowbray is trying to address, but he has been left frustrated in his search so far.

Midfielders Davenport and Joe Rothwell, signed from Oxford United, are the only two additions, with Rovers aiming to make around six signings in all.

Newcastle forward Armstrong is an option Rovers have explored but any potential deal is thought to be some way off at this stage.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s game, Mowbray said of his player search: “We have got our targets and have invested in our recruitment department and hopefully improved that to get it right.

“I am spinning four or five plates at the moment but I feel as if agents run the world.

“We are a football club who thinks about footballers not about making players rich so if it’s about money then go elsewhere.

“We are trying really hard. I want to get the footballer right and (Chief Executive) Steve (Waggott) wants to get the money right.

“We have the players we have identified and want and are in negotiations with, but I’m also conscious that supporters want players through the door. It’s difficult. Things are dragging on a little bit and we’ll have to be patient.

“Hopefully things will work out well for us and by the time the window shuts we look at the squad and feel we are in good shape. Things are okay so let’s keep things going.”