Dolan’s Blackburn future and latest on contract decision

Valerien Ismael has not given up on Tyrhys Dolan signing a new contract at Blackburn Rovers but does not anticipate a quick decision on his future.

The 23-year-old looked to be waving goodbye in recent matches. Dolan took time during the lap of appreciation at Ewood Park to take in what might be his final match in front of the home crowd as a Rovers player.

He did the same at Bramall Lane after the full-time whistle. ‘Tyrhys Dolan, we want you to stay’ was the chant as he walked away from the travelling fans and down the tunnel.

Dolan will assess his options this summer and make a decision on his future. Rovers will make a final contract offer but Ismael and the club are realistic that it may not be the most lucrative he receives.

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The head coach expects Dolan to go on holiday and make a decision ahead of pre-season. Rovers will wait and ‘fight’ for the player but that can’t last forever.

“I think yes, that’s my feeling. Personally, I will do that. Personally, I will do that to take my time to assess the situation,” Ismael said on Dolan’s situation.

“Just to reflect on everything and to make the right decision. This is the most difficult one for the club, for sure. He will take his time, go on holiday and assess what he will do. It is his decision.

“As I say, he put himself in that position. It’s a good position for him, so we have to respect that. We have to be patient, we will try to keep him and fight for our players.

“He knows the environment he’s got, the love we give him. But at some point, it depends on the offer he has. Sometimes the offer dictates your decision.

“When you put yourself in a strong position in the transfer market and with your performances, you can get the rewards with a bigger offer, better opportunities. You have to accept this part of the game.

“We will see, it is about negotiations. He is an important player in the team and that’s what we can give him.”

What Rovers have in their favour is Dolan’s emotional connection to the club which is long-standing. The winger has never shown anything short of 100 per cent commitment to the team despite the ongoing speculation around his future.

His best performances of the season have come in the final months of the season under Ismael. It’s clear he will be an integral part of the head coach’s plans, if he commits his future.

“Yes, I think we showed the path. So, now it’s on him to make that decision. But as I say, he makes himself look really good on the transfer market.

“He’s at a really good age, young but a lot of experience already. A lot of games in the Championship.

“So, I can’t tell you if it’s a 50-50, 60-40. I just say that he will have some good offer and he will take his decision at some point.”

Contract decision made on recently-departed Blackburn player

Stoke City have triggered their option on the contract of former Blackburn Rovers loan player, Lewis Baker.

The 30-year-old was allowed to join Rovers in the summer transfer window after falling out of favour at the Potters under Steven Schumacher. However, he was recalled in January by Mark Robins.

Baker has played a key role for Stoke in their survival and the Potters have looked to keep him at the club beyond the summer. Announcing their retained list, it was confirmed they’d triggered the 12-month option that existed in his deal.

“Lewis (Baker) has been an integral part of our side since he returned to the Club in January and, under Mark’s leadership, has played some of his best football for Stoke City,” Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said.

READ MORE: Tyrhys Dolan’s Blackburn Rovers future and latest on contract decision

“Lewis sets a great example with his experience and ultra-professionalism and has shown during his time as a Potter that he has the ability to provide match-winning moments.”

Given Baker was recruited by John Eustace, a return to Rovers always felt unlikely under Valerien Ismael. However, the club are looking for another central midfielder to bolster their ranks this summer.

Lynden Gooch, Michael Rose, Jordan Thompson and Enda Stevens have all been released by Stoke.