Rovers have made their move for Wigan Athletic Cedric Kipre - but aren’t alone in trying to land the defender.

A deal will the Latics’ administrators is understood to have been reached, but the sticking point for Rovers would be around personal terms, with discussions having been held with the players’ representatives.

Those talks will only become more complicated by the fact that newly-promoted side West Bromwich Albion are also in for the 23-year-old who impressed for the cash-strapped Latics last season.

Albion are in the market for a central defender, and are one of three clubs linked with a move for former Rovers defender Shane Duffy, with their interest in Kipre likely to hinge on their pursuit of the Irishman.

It had been suggested that Wigan were holding out for more than £1m for Kipre, but the Lancashire Telegraph understands that any such deal would cost Rovers six-figures.

However, Kipre isn’t the only defensive deal that Rovers are progressing with in their bid to find a new partner for Darragh Lenihan as things begin to crank up behind the scenes.

“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,” boss Tony Mowbray said.

Rovers plan to bring in two new central defenders this summer, and that is likely to see the departures of Derrick Williams and Charlie Mulgrew.

Williams has Championship interest in the form of Swansea City, and Rovers would recoup a fee for the 27-year-old who is into the final year of his deal at Ewood Park.

However, Rovers’ ability to bring in a new central defender wouldn't hinge on a departure, although those funds would prove useful in Mowbray’s bid to add to his squad.

As well as another central defender, Rovers will look to bring in a left back to add competition to Amari’i Bell.

“We’re working really hard on these sort of things,” Mowbray said at his pre-match press conference.

“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.”

Rovers have added one permanent signing in the form of goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski for an undisclosed fee from AA Gent.

Mowbray is keen to add more permanent recruits to his ranks, and says the support is there from owners Venky’s to do so, even though seven-figure fees are unlikely, as seen in previous summers with the signings of Sam Gallagher and Ben Brereton, given the current financial climate.

“It’s tough time for our owners and they have been as supportive as they can, and I totally respect that in every way,” Mowbray explained.

“I would like to keep the acceleration of trying to build this club to where we want to take it which is to become really competitive to get back in the Premier League.

“We’re on that journey, we’re getting closer, there’s a mild frustration but an understanding that the world, apart from Chelsea it seems, has come to a bit of a standstill financially, and it’s very difficult.

“Let’s see how the window plays out. I’m very hopeful of being able to bring more in, if we can wheel and deal as well then hopefully the team will start to take shape and give us a clearer picture of where we want to take it.”