Tony Mowbray says Rovers can’t stop admiring glances coming the way of Joe Rothwell as a contract impasse continues.

Links with Scottish champions Rangers show no signs of abating ahead of January when the Glasgow giants would be able to agree a pre-contract agreement with Rothwell who turns 27 in the New Year.

Rothwell has starred for Rovers at times this season, contributing five assists to go alongside his goal against Coventry City.

The club are trying to agree a deal with the midfielder, as well as Darragh Lenihan, Ryan Nyambe and Ben Brereton among others in a bid to protect their transfer value.

More talks have taken place this week in a bid to find a positive conclusion ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window, with Rovers themselves putting plans in place after a quiet summer window.

Of the interest in Rothwell, Mowbray said: “We can’t do anything about that.”

Rothwell is starting to deliver on his talent on a more regular basis in what is his fourth season at Ewood Park since arriving from Oxford United after running down his contract at the League One club.

Rovers hope that one player signing fresh terms will prompt others to follow, having prioritised their young players previously, with the likes of John Buckley, Lewis Travis, Tyrhys Dolan and Joe Rankin-Costello all committed to long-term deals.

The issues of deals expiring has been the main talking point of supporters, while for Mowbray, Rothwell’s continued improvement is his main focus.

“Liverpool were here watching training because they wanted to talk about Leighton (Clarkson), we’ve been talking about how amazing Joe Rothwell is, just his technique and his outstanding ability to run with the ball,” Mowbray added.

“It’s not just good, he is the best in this league in my mind at running with the ball and would be one of the best in the Premier League.

“Adama Traore, and (Allan) Saint-Maximin at Newcastle, there aren’t many people who can run with the ball like Joe Rothwell, there are things he needs to get better at and that’s maybe why teams right at the top maybe haven’t looked at him.

“That’s why I sit with Joe and talked about things he has to get better at and when he does the world is his oyster. That’s down to the individual.”

Mowbray understands the position of players heading into the final six months of their deals, and added: “Modern day football, agents can control the situation.

“We see the speculation between our players and other clubs, is it right, is it media speculation and someone has picked it out of the air? Maybe. I speak to my players, I’d like to think they trust me and not just giving them manager spiel, I was a player for a long time and understand the emotions of it.

“If they’re confident they can get to the Premier League or earn twice the money elsewhere, I understand it."