Rovers have resurrected their interest in midfielder Lewis Holtby.

Holtby was earmarked as a possible addition earlier in the summer although it appeared the 28-year-old would join Turkish side Besiktas.

However, that move didn’t materialise and with Holtby now a free agent after leaving Hamburg, Rovers could still make a move for the 28-year-old despite it being outside of the transfer window.

Reports in Germany say Rovers are leading the race for Holtby, and although no deal has been finalised, the Lancashire Telegraph understands that talks are ongoing and a deal could be reached.

Rovers were keen to add a central midfielder to their ranks on deadline day but missed out on two possible loan deals for Premier League youngsters, including Harrison Reed who spent last season at Ewood Park.

Tony Mowbray had also identified two overseas free agents earlier in the summer, including Adam Maher who opted to join Vitesse Arnhem after leaving PSV, and a German playmaker who opted to stay in his homeland.

Should talks reach a positive conclusion, then Holtby could fill that void and add more creativity to Rovers' midfield ranks.

Holtby, who was eligible to play for England, represented Germany at youth level and has three senior caps to his name.

Having started his career with Schalke, taking in loan spells at Bochum and Mainz, he made a move to Tottenham in January 2013.

He spent two-and-a-half years with Spurs, making 42 appearances, including 25 in the Premier League. Holtby also played 13 times in the top-flight for Fulham in the final months of the 2013/14 campaign.

The left-footed midfielder secured a £4million move to Hamburg in 2015 where he has spent the last four years. He scored six times in 17 appearances in 2017/18 but that couldn’t stop them from dropping in Bundesliga II where they remain this season having missed out on promotion last term.