Bolton hit problem in chase for Blackburn Rovers' Danny Graham

The 32-year-old was ear-marked as one of the best value free transfers on the market by Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson, and looked odds-on to switch Lancashire rivals until recently.

The stumbling block, however, is that Rovers have the option of extending Graham’s contract by another 12 months and after initially stalling on offering the new deal, the newly-promoted side has now moved to do so.

Wanderers would be unwilling to pay a fee for the experienced former Middlesbrough, Watford and Sunderland front man, so sources at Wanderers suggest Parkinson has stepped away to concentrate his efforts elsewhere.

Graham does fit into the mould of player Parkinson is looking for - a physical striker able to lead the line, who is also able to inject a measure of pace into his attack. His goal record is also impressive, with 17 in League One for Rovers last season and 134 during the course of his career.

For now, however, sights have been switched to another Championship striker, who could be made available on loan.

After making another Rovers old boy, Jason Lowe, his first capture of the summer last week, Parkinson and his recruitment staff are working hard to mop up the best of the free transfers.

Walsall’s diminutive playmaker Erhun Oztumer remains on the cusp of a deal after indicating he will not sign another contract at the Banks's Stadium. 

A goalkeeper to challenge Ben Alnwick is also on the list, although reports linking the club with Bristol City’s Frank Fielding have been dismissed.

Full-back Jon Flanagan could make a return after his contract at Liverpool expired. The former England international is looking to kick-start his career after a couple of difficult years and spent the last few months of last season on loan at the Macron, making nine appearances.

At 25, the defender is not short on options but wants to get his future sorted quickly to enable him to get a full pre-season at his next club.