OWEN Coyle revealed he had a productive chat with new Football Director Paul Senior who is aware of the positions the Rovers boss wishes to strengthen this month.

Senior was appointed to the role last week and has met with the manager to discuss possible January transfer targets.

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Coyle is keen to add to his squad this month, but has been reluctant to start negotiations with players until he knows what, if any, finances would be made available to him.

“I had a good chat with Paul Senior on Friday,” said Coyle, who is keen to extend the stay of Swansea City loanee Marvin Emnes.

“We had a really good chat and we know the positions that we have targeted and then we will follow that up and look to see if we can try and move something on.

“Of course, within that we have players that might not have had as much game-time as they would like and there might be one or two things that can happen there.

“We have targets in mind and hopefully we get one or two of those over the line and move the squad forward.

“We want to add to the squad and enhance what we already have.”

Tying Emnes down to a new deal remains one of Coyle’s priorities with the frontman’s current loan deal expiring on Sunday.

The Dutchman wasn’t granted permission by parent club Swansea to play for Rovers in Saturday’s FA Cup win at QPR, but Coyle says talks between the two clubs remain ongoing.

Emnes has played 20 times for Rovers so far this season, scoring three times, but sees as things stand Saturday’s trip to Ipswich Town will be his final appearance for the club.

Rovers currently pay just a fraction of the 28-year-old’s wages and Coyle is keen to keep the Dutchman, out of contract in the summer, at Ewood Park.

“I have said from bringing him in that I would love to have him here, permanently,” Coyle said.

“He’s a player that I like.

“We asked Swansea for permission, but because his loan runs until January 15, I understand that Swansea wouldn’t grant permission until there was some sort of deal concluded.

“Emnes is one that we would like to keep because he gives us a great attacking threat.”

Sam Gallagher, on loan at Ewood Park until the end of the campaign, was granted permission to play by parent club Southampton.

Coyle added: “I spoke with Southampton about Sam Gallagher and they had no problems with that because of how well he’s doing and the fact he’s here for the full season.”