Rovers’ hopes of adding to their squad on transfer deadline day in January ended when Christian Atsu opted against a move to Ewood Park.

Tony Mowbray had identified the Ghanaian winger as a target, with Celtic and Nottingham Forest also said to have shown interest.

Atsu chose to stay at St James’ Park, rejecting Rovers’ advances, and with it ended Rovers’ hopes of adding to their squad before the January 31 deadline.

Rovers were willing to stretch their budget to meet his wage demands, with the 28-year-old under contract with the Magpies until 2021.

But Newcastle are reportedly keen to cut their ties with the former Chelsea man who last appeared for the club in an FA Cup replay with Oxford in February.

That was his 23rd appearance of the season, but he has fallen out of favour under Steve Bruce and hasn’t even made the matchday squad in the last three weeks.

Reports in the north east suggest Newcastle are open to offers for Atsu in the summer, but it is unlikely that Rovers will reignite their interest.

Speaking of the failed move for Atsu, Mowbray said: “Ultimately we were going to spend a lot of money on a Premier League footballer who was surplus to requirements because of a signing his club had made.

“His wages were way out of our league, but yet that deal nearly happened, but that player didn’t want to leave his Premier League club.

“His family situation dictated that, and we were left frustrated.

“There was a deal that done, then it wasn’t done. Clubs came in once there was an awareness of his availability and it clouded his mind.  Ultimately the clock ticked down.”