All signs are pointing towards an extended Ewood stay for Stewart Downing – with the player and manager Tony Mowbray wanting him to sign on for another season.

Despite turning 36 next month, Downing has impressed since his move from Middlesbrough last summer, featuring 36 times in all in a variety of positions.

There was no option in the 12-month deal that brought the former England international to the club, but all parties are keen to agree a new contract through to 2021.

Downing returned to training with the rest of the squad last week, and while relaxed over his future with still nine games of the season left to play, he believes a positive resolution will be reached.

“I spoke to the manager before the lockdown and we agreed that we’d speak once we got back in, which we have done,” Downing revealed.

“I’d love to stay and I think he would like me to stay as well.

“I’m not putting any pressure on him for an answer, I think we’ll have an answer from the club in the next couple of weeks.”

Downing is one of several Rovers players out of contract this summer.

He is the second player to outline his intentions to stay after striker Danny Graham said he would ‘100 per cent’ sign a new deal at the club.

Also out of contract this summer are back-up goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler, midfielder Richie Smallwood and attacker Dominic Samuel, as is full back Amari’i Bell, though Rovers do have a 12-month option in his deal.

Youngsters Matty Platt, Lewis Thompson, Hayden Carter and Sam Hart also see their deals expire later this month.

Rovers have until June 23 to outline their intentions to the out of contract players, which could see them agree short-term extensions to see them through to the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

Downing’s desire to stay will prove popular among supporters given the veteran is in the conversation for the club’s player of the year prize.

But the 34-times capped England international is relaxed about his future, and keen to help Rovers kick on in the remaining nine games as they look to close the gap to the play-off spots.

“I’m pretty laid back about it to be honest. The main thing for me is to come back fit and ready to crack on with the games,” he told the club website.

“The signs have been positive that he’d like me to stay, I’ve really enjoyed it at the club and would love to stay.

“I’ve settled well here, the lads are great, I still really enjoy it and I’ve been buzzing to get back into training.

“Hopefully we can have a really strong finish to this season and then start the next one just as strong.”