As Rovers close in on a goalkeeping signing, Christian Walton’s quest for first-team football at Brighton could be set to move a step nearer.

Rovers are finalising the transfer of Belgian goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski who will become the club’s new No.1, with the deal set to be announced in the next 24 hours.

Walton had that role last season, starting all 46 Championship fixtures after signing on a season-long loan deal from Brighton.

However, after three consecutive seasons away from the AMEX Stadium, the 24-year-old has made his clear intentions to try and make it at Brighton.

Walton has made four appearances during his time at the Seagulls, the last of those coming more than five years ago, but he’s looking to compete with Mat Ryan for the No.1 spot.

And his case could well be helped by the expected departure of David Button.

Button, signed from Fulham for £4m in 2018, has played 11 times for Brighton in that time but looks set for a £1m switch to newly-promoted West Brom.

That will likely see Walton become the closest challenger to Australian international Ryan.

Also in the Brighton goalkeeping ranks is former Rovers ‘keeper Jason Steele, but the 30-year-old has made just one FA Cup appearance since his move from Sunderland in 2018.

Walton will hope to do enough to earn a new deal at the club, with just 12 months to run on his current contract, but feels his loan spells will stand him in good stead.

In an interview with Brighton’s official website he said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of trying to become the number one.

“Maty has been a consistent and key player for the three seasons that Brighton have had in the Premier League. He's had a good season, but I have had a good season as part of the loan journey that Brighton have put me on and I am ready now to go back and challenge.

“Training with high quality players every day is going to help me kick on and I can’t wait to be pushing Maty every step of the way as part of the goalkeeping team.

“Competition helps improve everybody, so it won’t just be positive for me but for the goalkeepers and the team. I really want the opportunity to play in the first team and I am only going to be able to do that if I come back, work hard and wait for my opportunity.”