Rovers are close to reaching an agreement with the administrators at Wigan Athletic for central defender Cedric Kipre.

The two clubs are understood to have reached a figure which works for both with regards to a transfer fee.

It had been suggested that the cash-strapped Latics were holding out for more than £1m for the 23-year-old, but the Lancashire Telegraph understands that any such deal would cost Rovers six-figures.

However, while an agreement that works for both clubs is close, there is still work to be done on personal terms. And that could well stand in the way of any possible transfer as Rovers look to make their second summer signing.

Tony Mowbray has made strengthening in central defence a key priority this summer, with two additions in that area expected.

The manager has spoken of wanting to add ready-made Championship experience to that part of the pitch, with Kipre one of three domestic options identified for the role alongside Darragh Lenihan.

Another deal is being worked on, should nothing materialise with Kipre, with Rovers moving to strengthen in defence after the signing of goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.

Kipre has played 77 times for Wigan since his move from Motherwell in 2018, including both matches against Rovers last season.

He was part of a Wigan defence that kept 10 clean sheets in an 11 match run before, and post-lockdown, and has made 130 appearances across his career.

Interest in Kipre, and the likelihood of two central defenders arriving at Ewood Park, comes as Derrick Williams and Charlie Mulgrew are set to move on.

Speaking at this morning's pre-match press conference, Mowbray said: 

“We’re working really hard on these sort of things.

“The wheels and the cogs are turning pretty fast behind the scenes and the conversations have been had. We’re trying to roll with things.

“It’s not imperative that Derrick goes before we do business. We can do a deal hopefully in the next few days if it comes to the conclusion that it does even with Derrick still in the building.

“He might not be if the phone rings and the right conversations are had. Let’s wait and see.

“It’s wrong of me to sit here and say that this is happening and this is happening, but the cogs are turning behind the scenes and I’m hopeful that we’ll strengthen in the areas we want to strengthen.”