Barry Douglas would be open to a permanent return to Rovers should the opportunity arise this summer.

The left back, who spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Ewood Park, will become a free agent after his exit from Leeds United was confirmed, and is understood to be willing to listen to any offer from Rovers should one be forthcoming.

Douglas played 31 times during an up and down spell in East Lancashire after being frozen out at Elland Road where he departs after three years on the books.

Tony Mowbray had hinted at the prospect of a move for Douglas this summer, however finances are expected to be tight with the Rovers squad needing something of an overhaul.

Left back has been a problem for position for some time, Bell failing to nail down that spot since signing from Fleetwood Town in January 2018, with Rovers having since signed Greg Cunningham and Douglas on loan, as well as Harry Pickering on a permanent deal.

The 22-year-old was loaned back to Crewe Alexandra after his permanent move was confirmed in January, and he will become a fully-fledged Rovers player in the summer, but is the only senior left back contracted for next season.

That follows the decision to release Amari’i Bell at the end of his contract, his three-and-a-half year stay coming to an end after 99 appearances following his signature from Fleetwood Town.

The Jamaica international started the final three matches of the season, with Douglas on the bench, but Pickering is expected to be the first-choice following his £650,000 switch.

Leeds paid tribute to Douglas in an open letter from Victor Orta upon his move to Rovers on deadline day in October, with the club now parting ways after the three year deal he signed when joining from Wolves comes to an end.

The Scot failed to establish himself fully at Leeds, making 27 starts and 15 substitute appearances across two Championship campaigns before being allowed to sign a season-long deal with Rovers.

In an interview with The Athletic, Douglas said he felt ‘ticked all those boxes’ when it came to playing regularly, stating fit and enjoying his football once again, and said he would be open to discussions about a permanent move, but would keep all of his options open.

His career started north of the border, before spells in both Turkey and Poland, before a switch to Wolves in 2017 where he won promotion before a move to Leeds where he achieved the same feat in 2018.