Gregg Broughton confirmed that Ben Brereton has held talks with Villarreal over a summer move – but nothing is agreed with the La Liga club at this stage.

Rovers’ top scorer is free to speak with overseas clubs about signing a pre-contract agreement which would take effect in June when his deal at Ewood Park ends.

It is expected that Brereton will join Villarreal on a free transfer, with a five-year contract on the table at the La Liga side who are pushing for Champions League qualification.

Director of football Broughton says Brereton has been open in his communication with Rovers, but the club have yet to receive confirmation from UEFA that a deal has been fully agreed.

He said: “I don’t think it is as black and white with that.

“We know exactly what Ben’s situation is.

“We know he has had conversations with Villarreal, he’s been very open with us that he was having those conversations.

“We know that they put a very attractive offer on the table but our understanding from both the player and Villarreal is that nothing is signed yet and under UEFA regulations they have to let us know immediately when a contract is signed and our understanding is nothing is committed as yet.

“Ben, always been the model professional, has worked hard.

“We understand that things might not have gone how he would want on the pitch but we back him to come through this.

“For us aswell having Ben here for the last final games is a fantastic bonus to have him in the building.”

Brereton has now gone 11 games without scoring, and Rovers will need him back to his goalscoring best if his time at Ewood Park is to end on a high.

Head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has no immediate concerns about Brereton’s long-term future affecting his performances, however.

He said: “Bez is an extremely good lad, he’s just enjoying playing football.

“He’s still young, so you don’t know how he will cope with it down the line having not been in a situation like this before.

“There’s always a question mark but I think he’s just enjoying playing for Rovers, being part of the group, how I like to do things.”