Sheffield United won’t stand in the way of Rovers target Oliver Burke in January – but would want a ‘realistic’ sum if any prospective deal is to be on a permanent basis.

The club made a deadline day loan bid for the Blades forward in August, only for time and cost to work against them.

It is understood that talks between Rovers and the Blades have since taken place with regards to the prospect of a permanent move, as well as a loan switch which appears to be the more likely as things stand.

Rovers are keen to add to their forward line in January, with the club keeping their options open and no decision made.

Burke has only made three Championship appearances this season, but did feature 25 times in the Premier League last term having signed from West Bromwich Albion in a swap deal last year and is under contract until 2023, hence United’s stance over wanting a fee for his services.

Aberdeen forward Ryan Hedges and Bordeaux Josh Maja other targets from the summer that remain on the radar.

Mowbray has shown that he will retain interest in players for more than one window and while Burke has struggled for minutes and goals, will undoubtedly see assets that he can work with, another key piece of his recruitment.

The Rovers boss hinted at the prospect of adding at least one striker this month, but stressed that wasn’t with linked to any possible bids for Ben Brereton.

Like Brereton, Burke came through the ranks at Nottingham Forest before a £13m move to RB Leipzig in 2013.

He returned to England two years later when West Brom shelled out £15m for his services, with loan spells at Celtic before arriving at Bramall Lane in a move that saw Callum Robinson go the other way.

Capped 13 times by Scotland, Burke can operate across the forward line and is fit again after a recent injury, involved on the bench for the Blades in last month’s win at Fulham.

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom said the club wouldn’t leave themselves short of options in attack, but would be happy to do deals for players who had been short of minutes.

He said: “There may still be players that leave because we do have a lot in attacking positions. We want our players to get minutes as much as they want to get minutes. But we won’t leave ourselves short.”

Meanwhile, Rovers have allowed Sam Burns to join League Two side Scunthorpe United on loan.

The striker has been in fine form for the Under-23s this season and also spent time with FC United of Manchester earlier in the campaign.

Burns has seven goals in nine starts at Premier League 2 level, while also netting a further five in the cup competitions.