Rovers have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of midfielder Pelly Ruddock with the midfielder having made a U-turn to sign an extended deal with Luton Town.

Tony Mowbray had targeted Ruddock in a bid to strengthen in central midfield after a raft of departures over the summer, with an injury to Bradley Johnson leaving them short of options heading into the new season.

He had been a free agent after his deal with Luton expired, but having assessed his options the 27-year-old has agreed to an extended stay at Kenilworth Road which will see him pass 300 appearances for the club.

Middlesbrough had led the chase for Ruddock throughout the summer, with Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor and Rovers also expressing interest, but Luton have persuaded him to sign fresh terms.

The Hatters had always retained belief that Ruddock would sign a new deal, and boss Nathan Jones is delighted to get a new contract agreed.

“We are delighted to get it done. Pelly was out of contract, so it was his prerogative to test the water and see what was out there,” Nathan Jones told his club website.

“It’s taken a little bit longer than we would have liked, but the process was thorough on their part, and he knew all along that we wanted to keep him.

“He had a fantastic season and he’s only going to get better. He sees that and we are delighted to get him done because he’s an important player for us.

“I think we’ve been patient, but professional in terms of saying to him ‘Look, you are our player, we want to keep you because you are important to us and have been on a journey with us’.”