Rovers could yet add another signing to their ranks – with Stewart Downing keen to return to Ewood Park.

Downing, second in the Rovers’ player of the year vote last season, has been without a club since his deal at Ewood Park expired in the summer.

Tony Mowbray has never quashed talk of an eventual return for Downing, but Rovers have been keen to sort out their other transfer business before thinking about the likelihood of that.

But with the window now closed, and Downing keen to return and finances available to make that happen, it looks likely that the former England international will agree a new deal at the club to take him through to the end of the campaign.

The 36-year-old was part of every matchday squad last season, apart from the final day defeat at Luton, playing 43 times in all and becoming a key member of the side after his free agent switch from Middlesbrough.

Downing also made clear his intention to stay at Rovers, but the pandemic caused Rovers to reassess their options, with other areas of the pitch a priority for Mowbray.

But with a willingness on both sides to get the deal done, it seems likely that Downing will sign on for another season next week.

Rovers had a frantic end to the transfer window, and with their squad stretched by injuries, and a hectic schedule incoming, Mowbray is keen to ensure his side aren’t left short.

With Downing able to play in a variety of midfield roles, as well as left back, he offers Mowbray versatility, and experience, which would be a welcome addition to the squad.

Any deal would need to be completed by Tuesday should it go through, with Rovers needing to name their 25-man squad for the Championship season by the close of play on October 19.

“He knows the situation, we have to get this window shut. He’s an out-of-contract footballer but he enjoyed being here and he would like to play some part,” Mowbray said of Downing.

“As I’ve always said to him over the last month or two, let’s get the window done, see if we have got any money left, see where we are, what positions we manage to fill.

“Stewy Downing is a wonderful human being, he was one of our best players last year, it’s not through talent that he wouldn’t get in our team, it’s a financial thing.

“We have tried to put foundations in and Stewy would be a bit of sprinkling on top if that was what it was going to be.

“It’s not dead, we’ll just see where we are after the window and where our finances are.”