Rovers won’t plan their summer business around selling one of their key men.

Tony Mowbray admits his side are in something of a transition phase as they require strengthening in several areas ahead of next season. A new No.1 and central defender are top of the priority list with just 38 days until the 2020/21 season.

The number of free agent options, including January target David Cornell, and the number of teams searching for new ‘keeper, will make for an interesting summer.

Rovers have assets within their squad, not least top scorer Adam Armstrong who has had admiring glances from Premier League clubs of late, but the financial uncertainty affecting all sides mean few clubs would be able to offer transfer fees for players.

And it’s for that reason that Mowbray says Rovers won’t be planning on selling one of their star men to fund their summer business, despite hinting that Rovers will need to trade players in the future.

He said: “I don’t know who the buyers are going to be but somewhere along the line that has to be the case.

“In football, you sometimes have to sell an asset to improve the team.

“I don’t sit here thinking we’re going to sell a major asset to help us recruit, but if somebody bids money which we think is right for a player we think we should let go because we can improve the team, then we will do that.”

Rovers have spent £11m on Sam Gallagher and Ben Brereton in the last two summer windows, with Armstrong Mowbray’s other seven-figure buy since taking over.

During his time in charge, the club have recouped just £3m following the sale of David Raya to Brentford 12 months ago.

That figure should rise in the coming years with the assets at the club’s disposal, some having come through the Academy to become regulars in the Championship.

Star man Bradley Dack is now in to the final year of the three year contract he signed following promotion from League One when he scored 17 goals.

The 26-year-old is primed for a return to action in the early weeks of next season having been out since December with a cruciate ligament injury.

Rovers have a 12-month option in their favour with Dack, though are expected to open talks with the attacker over a long-term deal.

Lewis Travis is contracted until 2023, with other key players Darragh Lenihan and Armstrong having two more years on their deals.

However, Rovers will be mindful of the contract situation of Ryan Nyambe who has blossomed in the last year, but will be out of contract next summer.

Rovers released five players at the end of last season, but did offer fresh terms to Stewart Downing.

The 36-year-old former England international has been relaxed about his future throughout his time at the club, but has hinted he would be keen to stay.

Rovers will hope to learn Downing’s plans before they return to training, with the midfielder having been a regular in the side since his free agent switch from Middlesbrough.