Rovers’ search for a defender could finally reach a positive conclusion with Tony Mowbray’s patience having seemingly paid off with a deal for Daniel Ayala close.

There remains understandable caution until Ayala has signed on the dotted line given how close a deal was earlier this month only for a club in a Saudi Arabia to make late move for the 29-year-old former Middlesbrough man.

However, those talks have now gone cold giving Rovers the chance to revisit a deal for the free agent defender who has been among their top targets all summer.

The move could happen quickly given a medical had already been carried out, with a three-year deal thought to be in the offing.

The former Liverpool youngster left Boro after nearly seven years with the club, first on loan and then permanently, having made 25 appearances last season, the last of those came back on New Year’s Day 2020.

Another addition in central defence is likely to depend on whether either of the MLS clubs interested in Derrick Williams, DC United or LA Galaxy, reach Rovers’ valuation for the 27-year-old.