Ben Brereton being free to speak with overseas clubs about a summer move is ‘the reality’ rather than a concern for Rovers head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.

The club’s top scorer is into the final six months of his contract which he looks set to see out to remain a Rovers player until the end of the current campaign.

However, under FIFA rules, he is able to speak with clubs outside of England about a pre-contract move which would see him join in the summer at the end of his Rovers deal.

La Liga side Villarreal have strong interest in striking such an agreement with Brereton, with no compensation due to Rovers should such a move materialise.

The club rejected bids last summer for the Chile international who has 10 goals in all competitions this season, but hasn’t scored since before the World Cup break.

Yet they look set to lose their star man on a free transfer with no agreement close on a new deal to keep him at Ewood Park.

Asked if speaking with overseas clubs about a move was a concern, Tomasson said: “No, that’s the reality.

“Is it a concern? No, not at all.

“We know the situation, how it is.

“I know the situation regarding Ben that he’s out of contract in the summer.

“The only thing we can expect from Ben is for him to do his best which he’s doing.

“Sometimes he can be brilliant, sometimes maybe performing less like every player in the world, and there are some days where maybe he’s not on it.”

Brereton saw his ever-present run in the side ended in last weekend’s defeat at Rotherham United as he missed the game to attend the birth of his son.

He was back in training at the start of the week and was grateful for the club’s cooperation and understanding.

Brereton will be back in the side at Bristol City today, the place he made his debut back in August 2018, while he netted an equaliser as the sides drew 1-1 in this fixture in November 2021.

“First of all, congratulations to Ben and his family. It’s a great moment.

“Hopefully he’ll make his son proud in a Rovers shirt and hopefully with a goal against Bristol City.

“Those moments are special. Ben becoming a father, he will always be connected to the Rovers family in the coming years, it will always be something he looks back on.

“Football connects people, players, staff, fans, and that’s what’s so great about the sport.”