No sooner had Rovers have got their first summer signing over the line in Stewart Downing, than thoughts turned to ‘who’s next?’.

Having missed out on Patrick Bauer, as the German central defender joined Championship rivals Preston after leaving Charlton, Rovers are still yet to add to their defensive ranks which Tony Mowbray has highlighted as a priority after shipping 69 goals in the Championship last season.

A striker is also on the wishlist, while a central midfielder is on the agenda with Rovers having lost Harrison Reed from last season’s squad after his loan spell from Southampton came to an end.

They missed out on Adam Maher, as the Dutchman, a free agent who Rovers had tracked for some time, decided to stay in the Eredivisie having joined FC Utrecht. Another possible option from Bundesliga II was also targeted, but also opted to stay in his home country.

So Rovers’ quest goes on and an interesting option is Brandon O’Neill, an Australian international plying his trade in the A-League with Sydney FC.

He is on Rovers’ wanted list having been linked for some time, and despite having signed a new deal earlier this calendar, would be keen on a move to England, with a six-figure fee mooted, as he looks set to leave his current club.

Rovers are casting their net wide for a central midfield option, though O’Neill does hold a British passport, with both his parents native to Ireland.

It is understood O’Neill, who made his Socceroos debut in a 1-0 friendly defeat to South Korea earlier this month, is currently in the UK weighing up his next move, with other Championship interest.

O’Neill played 39 times in all for his club in 2018/19, contributing two goals and eight assists.

Something of a set-piece specialist, O’Neill is adept with both feet and can offer a goal threat from a deeper lying role, something Rovers have struggled for in recent years.

Mowbray is keen to play more of a ball-retention style next season and any new recruit would need to fit in to that mould, with Rovers’ other options, in Richie Smallwood, Lewis Travis and Corry Evans more combative, while Jacob Davenport will be keen to push his claims in pre-season.

Downing is likely to feature in more of a central role for Rovers next season, with Adam Armstrong and Joe Rothwell, who impressed in the latter stages of the 2018/19, likely to get first go on the flanks.

James Morrison, a free agent after leaving West Brom, is another ball-playing option in the middle of the park should Mowbray want to add another experienced head to his ranks, as is Glenn Whelan who is leaving Aston Villa.