Rovers have batted away the first bid of the summer for star striker Adam Armstrong.

Southampton have tested the water with a bid for the 24-year-old which Rovers have rebuffed, the Lancashire Telegraph understands.

The Premier League side are the first to show interest in the striker who scored 29 goals last season.

They are currently the ones showing the most concrete interest in Armstrong who is currently away with the Rovers squad on a pre-season training camp in Scotland.

A contract offer remains on the table for Armstrong from Rovers, with his current deal expiring next summer, and should he see that out, he could leave on a free in 12 months time.

Southampton face a similar situation with their own star striker, Danny Ings, this week said to have turned down the Saints’ offer of a new four-year deal as he continues to assess his options.

However, the future of Ings isn’t said to have any bearing on the interest in Armstrong.

Rovers are keen to hold out for £20m for Armstrong who joined for £1.75m from Newcastle United in 2018 - which is currently leading to a stand-off with other interested parties.

His 29 goals last season backed up his 17 in 2019/20 in which he was named the club’s player of the year.

Newcastle have a 40 per cent sell-on clause on any profit should Armstrong depart this summer, which also has a bearing on any prospective deal.