Sunderland have made a last-ditch attempt to tempt Rovers target Jon McLaughlin to stay at the Stadium of Light with the offer of a new contract.

The Black Cats’ failure to secure a League One play-off spot, after the season was curtailed earlier this month, had left many in the north east feeling resigned to losing the Scotland international on a free transfer.

That remains the most likely course of action, with the 32-year-old’s deal at the club having under two weeks left to run – but Sunderland have made an offer to extend his time on Wearside.

McLaughlin, a target for Rovers throughout 2020, joined Sunderland from Hearts two years ago, the Edinburgh side previously having shown interest, but their plight is likely to rule them out of pursuing that further.

The twice-capped Scotland international has made 90 appearances for Sunderland and largely been first choice at the club as they missed out at Wembley twice last season, first in the Checkatrade Trophy final and then in the play-offs.

With another League One season on the horizon, they have opted to release, Joel Lynch, Alim Ozturk, Jack Baldwin, Ethan Robson and Duncan Watmore, but offered deals to Tom Flanagan and Chris Maguire, as well as McLaughlin as part of their retained list.

Details are yet to emerge on the offer made to McLaughlin, but it is expected he will seek pastures new when his deal expires on June 30, which would leave Rovers well placed to swoop.

He would proved the sought after experience that Tony Mowbray has been searching for having allowed David Raya to sign for Brentford last summer.

His replacement at Ewood Park, Christian Walton, will stay at Rovers for the remainder of the season before returning to parent club Brighton where he is expected to sign a new deal and compete for a first-team spot.  

Jayson Leutwiler, Rovers’ back-up option, is out of contract, three years since joining from Shrewsbury Town. The Canadian could look to seek first-team football in a bid to further his international ambitions having been second choice throughout his time in East Lancashire.

Andrew Fisher and Joe Hilton, Rovers’ other senior options, both have another year left to run on their deals.