Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers are interested in a move for Danny Graham – but the Rovers striker looks set to stay at Ewood Park.

Tony Mowbray revealed he was approached by the A-League side about the possibility of signing Graham whose deal expires at the end of the season.

Graham was named Rovers’ player of the year, after 15 goals, in 2018/19 but has started just two of the opening six Championship fixtures. The 34-year-old triggered the 12-month extension in the contract he signed in 2018 and is thought to be keen on extending his stay in East Lancashire.

But it is understood the A-League side, managed by former Rover Markus Babbel, had floated the prospect of Graham ending his contract with Rovers early to sign an extended deal with Wanderers ahead of the new season which starts on October 11.

“I did take a random call and I think that was a possibility,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph of Graham who has 55 Rovers goals since arriving in January 2016.

“I ran it by Danny out of respect for Danny Graham. The conversation I had was about the term of that contract.

“I would hope that he’d want to stay and fight for his place and enjoy his career at this club because I want him to enjoy his football.

“At the same time, the terms I was told of that deal would have been good for Danny Graham so I felt rather than keep that one discussion to myself I would let him make the decision.

“It looks to me, because nothing has come of it, is that he’s happy to stay here and fight for his place and be part of Blackburn Rovers.”

Graham has featured in all six of Rovers’ Championship matches so far, but only two from the start.

The £5m of arrival of Sam Gallagher has added competition to the Rovers attack, but Mowbray insists Graham remains a key part of the club’s plans.

Graham pushed his claims for a first-team recall with a wholehearted display, in which he scored from the spot, in the Lancashire Senior Cup win over Accrington Stanley, a game the 34-year-old asked to play in.

“My conversations with Danny have been around that he has to relish the competition and trying to get in this team in front of some big signings for us, Gallagher, Brereton, Armstrong, they are players he has to compete with and get in front of,” the boss added.

“We know what Danny Graham is, what he brings, and as I sit here now he’s the most clinical finisher in training every day.

“But some days if we’re going to play a pressing game, on the front foot, then there needs to be athleticism to close the ball and when they switch it, to get over and work.

“I think as we move forward and are dominating games around the opposition’s box, there’s no reason we can’t play Danny Graham because when the chances come he will stick them in the net.

“Other games he has to be patient and wait. We’re trying to bed Sam Gallagher in to our set-up, Adam Armstrong at some stage, in my opinion, has to be given an opportunity to play up front and score goals, as well as being devastating when playing in the wide areas.

“I’m delighted with Danny’s attitude. He asked to play in the Senior Cup, I didn’t force him, I wouldn’t do that. I’ve seen the physical data from that game and he was way above anyone with his physical stats, he really worked his socks off.

“He was probably sending a message, showing he’s still here alive and kicking which is good for me because Danny Graham being hungry and wanting to prove something is good for the club.”