Rovers remain in the market for a striker and have once again been credited with interest in long-term target Sam Gallagher.

Competition for, and an alternative to, player of the year Danny Graham remains a priority for Rovers as it was in January.

Rovers tried to sign Gallagher on a permanent deal last summer, and again on loan in January, but Southampton opted to keep the 23-year-old at St Mary’s.

However, he featured just six times for the Saints in 2018/19 and managed just six goals during a loan spell at Birmingham City the season before.

Gallagher still has two years left to run on his deal with the Premier League club, signed after returning from his spell at Ewood in which he managed 12 goals.

His wages, considerably more than Rovers’ top earner, could be a barrier to any possible move, with reports in the national press suggesting it would take a bid of £5m to prise him away from St Mary’s.

Though it is understood Southampton could be open to a sale as they look to freshen up their attacking options.

Rovers may see the European market as better value for money, given the size of the likely fee for a player who has scored just six goals since ending his loan spell at Ewood Park two years ago.

Gallagher scored 12 times for Rovers in 2016/17 and although that couldn’t help them avoid relegation to League One, boss Tony Mowbray has remained an admirer of Gallagher’s talent.

Mowbray felt Rovers were a striker light following the injury to Dominic Samuel whose injury in August ruled him out for the season.

Joe Nuttall, who had interest from several League One clubs, including Portsmouth, was the main competition for Graham with Ben Brereton and Adam Armstrong used mainly in the wide areas.

A striker proved elusive in January, but Rovers will scour the market for options with Graham turning 34 a week after the new season gets underway.

He featured in all but three of Rovers’  Championship matches last season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions, but Rovers are keen to ease his workload moving forward.