Rovers are keen on a move for Portsmouth winger Ronan Curtis – but will need to overcome plenty of hurdles to land the Republic of Ireland international.

Curtis has been in excellent form for the League One side so far this season, with 11 goals in 29 games, leading Rovers to watch the 23-year-old closely this season.

Although going in to the last six months of his deal at Fratton Park, Pompey have a 12-month option in their favour which gives them insurance of not losing the former Derry City man on a free transfer this summer.

Rovers will need to stump up a seven-figure fee to land Curtis who has won three caps for his country, and Tony Mowbray has hinted that asking prices of targets have so far proved out of their reach.

And reports on the south coast suggest the attacker is happy to stay with the League One side until at least the summer and try and help them to promotion.

Rovers are expected to sanction departures this month in a bid to free up funds this month, and could offer players as part of any offer made for January target Curtis.

The likes of Dominic Samuel and Richie Smallwood could move on this month, while ADO Den Haag are also interested in a loan move for Ben Brereton.

Jacob Davenport and Harry Chapman, despite his three first team outings of late, could be considered for loan moves as well, depending upon who arrives at Ewood Park this month.

However, Rovers are unlikely to agree to departures until additions are agreed, with Mowbray forced to contend with a growing injury list within his squad.

Rovers had expected permanent talks between themselves and Wigan to take place over the future of Charlie Mulgrew this month, only for the defender to cancel his loan spell at the DW Stadium.

And having one of their top earners back on the books for the remainder of the season, with Mulgrew unable to move anywhere else having already played for two clubs this season, is another obstacle for Rovers to overcome. 

However, Rovers will free up some funds when Greg Cunningham, ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, returns to parent club Cardiff City.

The 28-year-old has 18 months left on his contract and Rovers could consider a move for the Republic of Ireland international at a later date, depending upon his fitness.

Rovers’ transfer plans have previously been thrown up in the air by losing 10-goal top scorer Bradley Dack for the season.

They were previously looking to boost their defensive options this month, but news of Dack’s injury means adding to their attacking ranks has become more of a priority.