Both Sheffield United and Everton are also believed to be interested in the player but a return to his former club looks the most likely.

Rovers’ chairman, John Williams told the Lancashire Evening Post: “Paul has been released by the club after he decided not to accept our offer of a new contract.

“I don’t think there was any problem with the terms we offered him, it was more of a football decision.

“We’d like to thank Paul for his efforts over the last two years, and we wish him all the best for the future.”