GARY Bowyer says midfield star Ben Marshall is shaping up for the best season of his Blackburn Rovers career.

And Rovers boss Bowyer has told rival Championship clubs interested in signing Marshall that £1.5m would not buy his ‘right foot’.

It has been reported that both Brighton & Hove Albion and Sheffield Wednesday would be willing to pay that figure for the 24-year-old.

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But Bowyer said: “The figures that have mentioned wouldn’t buy his right foot – and he’s got two outstanding feet and a fantastic head.

“It’s pie in the sky.”

Bowyer has no intention of losing Marshall, who has gone on record to state his happiness with life at Ewood Park, especially after the sale of fellow playmaker Tom Cairney to Fulham.

“Ben can do the things that Tom brought to the team and he is also has that adaptability and flexibility, which is vital for us,” said Bowyer.

“He’s come back in the best shape I’ve seen him since he’s been at the club and he’s really focused.”

Marshall was Rovers’ third top scorer last season, netting seven times, behind 43-goal strike duo Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes.

And Bowyer said: “It’s safe to say he should have got double figures last season and it’s safe to say we need more goals from midfield this season.

“I’ve already spoken to the midfielders, and I’ve told the defenders they are going to have contribute more than they did last season, too.

“But, certainly, the midfield lot need to contribute more goals and Marshy is certainly one lad who can do that.”

Rovers resume training at Brockhall this morning after returning from their week-long warm-weather training camp in Portugal.

Rhodes and Gestede did not make the trip to the Algarve after sustaining injuries.

But it is understood that Gestede has returned to full training and Rhodes, who hurt his ankle in the pre-season opener at Accrington Stanley, should soon join him.

Bowyer, whose side head to Rochdale tomorrow night, said: “Jordan has been doing ever so well, we’re delighted.

“It was common sense not to put him on a flight and risk it swelling up even further.

“He’s had one-on-one care back at the training ground and we’re certainly hoping he’ll join up this week.”