Rovers are on the search for a new striker - with Sam Gallagher remaining a long-term target.

A striker is likely to be Rovers’ main priority before Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old scored 12 times during a loan spell at Ewood Park in 2016/17 and Rovers tried to bring him to the club last summer. Interest in the striker remains, but Gallagher has been used off the bench in two of Southampton’s last four games.

The Premier League club are reportedly interested in a move for Birmingham City forward Che Adams, which could impact on Gallagher’s availability before Thursday’s deadline.

However, the Saints have already allowed Manolo Gabbiadini to leave the club this month, while there is also interest in Charlie Austin which could lead to boss Ralph Hasenhuttl turning down any moves for Gallagher, who is understood to be keen on a move to Rovers should the opportunity arise.

Rovers are assessing their options when it comes to adding a central striker to their ranks and are keen to take some of the heat off 33-year-old Danny Graham, with a list of targets drawn up.

Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga is one name to have done the rounds, though a move for the 26-year-old in this window isn't expected, with Boro unlikely to want to lose their nine-goal striker so soon to the deadline.

Assombalonga, a £15million signing from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2017, has been playing second fiddle to loan signing Jordan Hugill at the Riverside this season.  But his current wages are understood to be around double that of Rovers’ top earner, making any move appear unlikely at this stage.

Joe Nuttall, who came off the bench against Hull City on Saturday, has burst back on to the first team stage this month, making four appearances and scoring two goals.

The 22-year-old was expected to leave the club in January, with several League One clubs interested, but Tony Mowbray has suggested Nuttall will now remain at Ewood Park for the remainder of the season.