Tony Mowbray admits there are ‘discussions to be had’ with Middlesbrough over a possible move for winger Harry Chapman.

Chapman, who endured an injury hit spell at Rovers last season, sees his current deal at the Riverside expire in the summer.

The 21-year-old has played five times for Boro this season, including as a substitute in their FA Cup third round win over Peterborough earlier this month, but is yet to feature in the Championship.

Rovers have maintained interest in Chapman who became a hit with the club’s supporters in his 16 appearances. The ex-England youth player suffered two separate hamstring injuries during his time in East Lancashire and suffered a similar problem in pre-season.

But Mowbray has hinted at the possibility of signing Chapman on a long term deal, before loaning him out in a bid to get some more experience under his belt.

Rovers could look to make their move before next Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline, and agree a fee with Boro, or wait until the summer when Boro would be due compensation for a player who has come through the Boro ranks.

When asked if Rovers could move for Chapman this month, Mowbray said: “The positive about Harry is that we know all about him. If he came here, would he get straight in our team in front of all the players we’ve got? You can’t play them all.

“Yet Harry Chapman is out of contract in the summer at Middlesbrough and there’s potentially some discussions to be had, yet he’s their player and they will decide what happens with Harry at the end of the day.

“He’s a Middlesbrough player and at this minute he continues to be.”