Tony Mowbray says Rovers are sourcing the availability of targets but admits deals have proved hard to come by in the Championship.

Uncertainty of managerial positions throughout the summer, as well as financial difficulties for some, have meant for a slow market so far.

But the Rovers boss expects things to start picking up soon, with clubs now returning for pre-season ahead of the August 3 start date, with the transfer window shutting five days later.

Stewart Downing has been Rovers’ sole addition so far, joining as a free agent, but more than 10 clubs are still waiting to make their first signings.

On Rovers’ position, Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph: “We are sounding out and finding out availability.

“As we have had with other

clubs interested in some of our players, this roundabout has to start moving soon. You want to strengthen before you lose any players and other clubs are saying the same.

“You have to be patient, keep your nerve but also have Plan B ready.

“But what is important is that you continue to work hard with the players you’ve got.”

Mowbray will do exactly that as Rovers prepare for day one of their week-long training camp in Austria after flying out yesterday.

The players have returned to the Oberwart district for the second successive year for a mixture of fitness drills and football work.

There will be no new signings on the trip, with Downing having not travelled for personal reasons after completing his move from Middlesbrough, while six other first-team players didn’t join the group.

Dominic Samuel isn’t yet ready to be involved in the full sessions after a long-term knee injury, while Derrick Williams will stay in England with his partner due to give birth to their first child.

The club’s four internationals are also not part of the travelling party which also includes a host of Under-23s prospects.

Mowbray says Rovers are looking to strengthen in all areas, but the focus will come on improving the spine of the team, with central defence, central midfield and a striker among the positions being tracked.

“You never know what’s close,” said Mowbray, whose side return next Wednesday ahead of a first friendly at Barrow on July 6.

“We are in discussions with a few clubs and moving things along.

“The market is slow and it’s difficult to get deals over the line for varying reasons.

“We hope to make a few more signings and are nudging things along.”