Rovers have signed free agent Jack Rodwell on a deal until next summer.

The 27-year-old, formerly of Manchester City and Everton, was without a club after leaving Sunderland in the summer.

Rodwell has been short of games recently, playing just six times for the Black Cats last season, three of which came in the Checkatrade Trophy for the club’s Under-23s.

But Tony Mowbray is keen to give him an opportunity to prove himself once again having twice commanded transfer fees in excess of £10m.

His career, which has been hampered by injuries, stalled at Sunderland where he made just 44 league starts in four years after leaving Manchester City.

Rodwell has played much of his recent football in central midfield but it is understood that Mowbray sees him as another option in central defence where he started his career.

Rovers have been looking to add a fourth centre half to their ranks, and could revisit a move for Charlton Athletic defender Patrick Bauer in January having been priced out of a move for the 25-year-old German by the League One club this summer.

Rodwell played 109 times for Everton, having graduated through the club’s Academy, making his Premier League debut against Sunderland in March 2008, two days before his 17th birthday.

He moved to Manchester City in August 2012 for around £12m and despite playing just 25 times, they recouped almost all of that fee when selling him to Sunderland in 2014.

Speaking of Rodwell after the 2-2 draw with Reading, Mowbray said: “Rodwell is someone I’ve had a chat with recently and we’re making some decisions on things.

“Jack Rodwell played for Manchester City, he’s played in the Premier League and for England. He’s had a tough time and everyone knows his reputed salary at his previous club and if we do anything then I think we should all give the boy an opportunity.

“It shouldn’t be an expensive deal for us. If something happens then the boy needs to be given a chance to prove himself and we shouldn’t question his question his talent and his class.

“He played for Manchester City and his injuries have been the bane of his career but let’s wait and see.

“There are no guarantee that’s going to be happen.

“I would hope there’s going to be some bigger deals to be done at the football club than a couple of free agents coming in to the club.”