Tony Mowbray revealed Rovers are ‘pretty close’ to securing the signature of Newcastle United attacker Adam Armstrong.

Rovers have been working on a permanent deal to bring the 21-year-old back to Ewood Park after finishing last season on loan.

Armstrong is due in East Lancashire early next week to finalise a move which is expected to be an initial £1.75m and include add-ons which could take it close to £3m.

The England Under-21 international scored nine times in 17 starts for Rovers last term to help see them over the line to promotion.

And Mowbray, who also worked with Armstrong in 2015/16 at Coventry, is set to be reunited with the frontman again once the formalities are tied up.

His signing could signal the start of a busy week for Rovers with the window for permanent transfers closes on Thursday at 5pm.

“I would suggest we’re pretty close to Adam signing now,” Mowbray said after the 2-2 draw at Ipswich Town.

“What would Adam bring? He’d bring some dynamic pace, he can score a goal out of nothing, score off both feet and can run in behind.

“He was part of our group and our unit which did so well last season, he’s another cog and if and when he joins we’ll be delighted to welcome him in and the lads will keep going.

“We’re trying to compete competition in every area.

“Paul (Downing) and Peter (Whittingham) missed out and as I said the other day another three might be signing so there would some tough decisions.

“And that’s what we want, we’re trying to make this team stronger and better, not getting rid of people but making it stronger by adding players because my job is to make the team and club stronger.

“Watching the evidence of that (Ipswich performance) it will be tough to dislodge some of those lads who were putting their bodies on the line for long periods and that’s why we’re disappointed with the nature of their equaliser.”