Rovers have been linked Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing who is expected to discuss the possibility of an Ewood Park move with Tony Mowbray.

Sources in the north east say that Downing has plenty of options available to him this summer, not least staying at the Riverside in some capacity.

Downing played 40 times for Boro this season but is available as a free transfer with his contract at his boyhood club coming to an end.

National reports named Rovers as one of three teams interested in Downing, along with Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.

And the Lancashire Telegraph understands there is expected to be a conversation between Mowbray and the player, who turns 35 in July.

Mowbray is currently away on holiday and with Downing set to weigh up his options, there is no sign of any imminent deal, or even an offer, for the former England international.

Rovers had offered a deal to 34-year-old Craig Conway, but the winger revealed at the weekend that he would be ending his five-and-a-half year stay at Ewood Park. However, Rovers are not short of options out wide following the January arrival of Harry Chapman and form of Joe Rothwell and Adam Armstrong in the closing weeks of the season.

The possibility of any deal will likely come down to prospective wage demands, and game-time, with Rovers unable to offer guarantees over either.

Downing has great respect for Mowbray, both hailing from Teesside, and spoke in glowing terms of the former Boro boss ahead of the two sides meeting earlier this season.

Middlesbrough are currently without a manager following the departure of Tony Pulis earlier this month after missing out on a play-off spot.

That leaves Downing’s future up in the air, though his good friend Jonathan Woodgate has been linked with the top job at the Riverside, which could prompt an extended spell on Teesside for a player who has played over 400 matches having graduated through their Academy.

Rangers also hold an interest in Downing, have tried to sign him in January, according to the Teesside Gazette, which could lead to a reunion with his former England and Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard who is in charge at Ibrox.

It is also reported in the north east that Downing will have offers from overseas, and could be tempted by a switch to the United States, while Championship side Sheffield Wednesday have also been linked.