ROVERS have cash offers on the table for prospective signings but head coach Tony Mowbray has urged patience as he seeks to strengthen his squad.

Mowbray made Richie Smallwood his second signing of the summer on Tuesday with the midfielder following Peter Whittingham through the Ewood Park arrivals door.

Both were free agents after rejecting new deals with their respective sides and both resisted interest from the Championship to sign for Rovers.

But Mowbray revealed there is money to spend on transfers this summer having been assured of funds by owners Venky’s after he met them in India last month.

The Rovers boss is working to bring in new faces before the players return to pre-season training next week.

“We have got cash bids in for players,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph. “There is a budget for us, so we have to get players that are good enough to get us to the top end in this league and hopefully it will see us bounce straight back.”

Mowbray added: “I am talking to a club about a deal but as with all deals, the selling club want loads of money and you’re trying to get them for the best deal possible.

“As with any negotiations though it’s not just a case of two or three phone calls, these things take time but we are trying to get there with a few deals.

“Hopefully we will have some more news for the supporters soon, being able to announce more signings, and then keep working hard to make more.

“We’re getting there, bit by bit.”

Rovers have been linked with a number of under contract players this summer as they look to make a challenge for immediate promotion back to the Championship.

Walsall playmaker Erhun Oztumer and RC Lens midfielder John Bostock are thought to be on the club’s radar, but Ligue 2 player of the year Bostock is interesting French top flight side St Etienne and Championship outfit Birmingham City.