Rovers’ hopes of striking a deal with Crewe Alexandra for left back Harry Pickering are unlikely at this stage.

The club made a six-figure bid for the 22-year-old last week and were hopeful of tying up a deal for one of the EFL’s top prospects.

It is understood two clubs were close on agreeing a down-payment figure for the left back, however, despite early encouragement, additional clauses, as well as a sell-on, look to have made any potential deal too expensive for Rovers.

That comes with news that Barry Douglas’ loan won’t be cut short, with the 31-year-old to spend the rest of the season at Ewood Park after the deadline for any return to Elland Road having passed at the weekend.

With Rovers covering a significant proportion of his wages, while also in the market for at least one centre back on loan, as well as looking to extend the contracts of several key players and the current econominc climate, the finances won’t stretch.

Rovers weren't expected to make any cash transfers this month, with no money left over from the summer window, though the injuries to senior central defenders Daniel Ayala, Derrick Williams and Scott Wharton made adding at the back a necessity this month.

Rovers’ budget in the summer allowed for two permanent signings, both goalkeepers, as Thomas Kaminski and Aynsley Pears arrived from AA Gent and Middlesbrough respectively.

However, there was the understanding that any seven-figure fees wouldn’t be accommodated within the budget, though Rovers did push that close with their pursuit of Cedric Kipre, only for the defender to join West Bromwich Albion from Wigan Athletic.

They are the only team to register a bid for Pickering at this stage, as despite the interest of Stoke City, they have turned their attentions to Rhys Norrirngton-Davies in their bid to add a left back to their ranks.

But as things stand, Pickering, who is closing in on 150 appearances for the Alex who he has captained of late, looks set to stay at Gresty Road.