Rovers were among the clubs to have watched Rhys Healey score four times for Toulouse in their 4-1 win over Sochaux at the weekend.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed Rovers’ interest in the striker over the summer and reports have outlined they were among a host of English clubs to have watched the 26-year-old at the weekend.

Healey scored all four goals as Toulouse maintained their two-point lead at the top of the Ligue 2 table. That took his tally to 11 goals in 15 games this season, and 26 in 52 appearances for Toulouse who he joined from MK Dons last season.

He also managed a goal every other game for the Dons, netting 21 times in 42 appearances across a loan and permanent spell.

Healey started out at Cardiff City but it was with MK Dons where he showed his goalscoring prowess, prompting Toulouse to strike a £450,000 deal for the striker in the summer of 2020.

He is contracted to 2023 and Toulouse are desperate to keep hold of the striker in their quest to win promotion back to the French top flight having missed out in the play-offs last season.

 

 

Rovers failed to add to their striking ranks during the summer, despite losing Adam Armstrong to Southampton, the closest they came was a loan move for Bordeaux striker Josh Maja that fell through on deadline day due to a failed medical.

Maja is yet to feature for the French side as a result this season.

The pursuit of Healey didn’t materialise beyond the interest stage but Rovers have kept tabs on his progress ahead of the January transfer window where attacking options are said to be high on the priority list.

Burnley, Brighton, Norwich, West Brom and Sheffield United were namechecked as the other clubs to have watched Healey against Sochaux.

Giving an interview to the Daily Mirror earlier this month, Healey outlined how much he was enjoying life in France and feels his game is suited to the style of football.

He said: “Last year I had a really good season.

“After coming from MK Dons, who played good football, I knew I’d fit in straight away.

“It was just me being patient and adapting to the way they play, the language barrier, the culture.

“I picked it up really quickly, and the style of play fits me perfectly. It’s physical in certain parts but not as physical as in England.

“It’s perfect for me right now, and I feel like I’m progressing even more out here at the moment.”