Southampton are yet to follow-up their opening offer for Adam Armstrong – while talks over a possible swap deal involving Michael Obafemi haven’t taken place.

There had been the suggestion that Saints youngster Obafemi could be used as a makeweight in any negotiations over a possible St Mary’s move for Rovers striker Armstrong.

The 21-year-old striker like Armstrong is into the final year of his deal but it is understood that Ralph Hassenhuttl has been impressed with his fitness upon their return to pre-season training.

Reports had suggested Southampton had since returned with a £10m plus players bid for Armstrong, but the Lancashire Telegraph understands that only one bid has been made.

They remain the only club to have put forward an offer, one thought to be in the region of £8m, with Rovers wanting more than double that if they are to part with the striker who hit 29 goals last season.

Saints are themselves looking to hold onto their star striker, with Danny Ings attracting attention from Tottenham Hotspur as he comes into the final 12 months of his deal.

Finances are tight at St Mary’s, the club baulking over a £2m loan deal fee for Manchester United youngster Brandon Williams, but the future of Ings isn’t said to be linked to Armstrong.

Newcastle United will continue to watch the situation with interest, the Premier League sitting on 40 per cent of the profit on the £1.75m deal that took Armstrong to Ewood Park in the summer of 2018 because of a sell-on clause.

Having initially arrived on loan in January 2018, Armstrong has scored 64 times in 160 Rovers appearances.

West Ham United have long-term interest, while Fulham and Norwich City are understood to be admirers, but finances across are currently blocking any potential move at this stage.

Given the interest in Armstrong, and the uncertainty over his future with just over six weeks of the transfer window to run, Rovers are exploring alternatives should the 24-year-old not be at the club beyond August 31.

Toulouse striker Rhys Healey is understood to be one striker on the radar, while another overseas option has come into the thinking, but there has been no contact with Blackpool over Jerry Yates, despite continued links.