Ben Whiteman has been the subject of Championship interest again this month – but Doncaster expect their captain to be involved for the FA Cup tie at Rovers.

Preston North End had looked favourites to land the 24-year-old this month, with QPR also interested, but the League One club are holding firm.

Rovers themselves are long-term admirers of Whiteman, but were priced out of a move last summer, as they moved in a different direction with their midfield recruitment.

Whiteman, who has scored eight goals from midfield this season, looks set to be part of the Doncaster squad for this weekend’s game, their first since being forced to self-isolate following the defeat to Shrewsbury Town on December 23.

And while the club’s valuation fails to be met, boss Darren Moore says that’s how it will remain.

 “Truth be told, we feel that Ben is part of the group,” Moore told the Doncaster Free Press.

“He’s a Doncaster Rovers player and whilever he is, we’ll maintain to work with him as best as we can.

“Whilever the interest is out there, I don’t focus on it too much because he’s still our player and I won’t focus on it until told otherwise.

“He’s trained as normal and he’s cracked on as normal. So, onwards.

“Preston have made an offer and the offer has been rejected from the club and there’s not much more to really say about it.

“At the moment he’s part of the group.”

Doncaster have added to their squad this week, bringing in goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe from Brentford and Barnsley winger Elliott Simoes who could both make their debuts at Ewood Park this weekend.

The South Yorkshire side had been in good form prior to the Shrews defeat and subsequently seeing their next four matches cancelled.

They sit fourth in the League One table and pushed Rovers all the way in the Carabao Cup tie in August, the hosts eventually edging through 3-2 courtesy of an Adam Armstrong penalty.

Whiteman didn’t feature in that match, when speculation surrounding his future was equally high, because of injury.