It was signing that raised a few eyebrows when it was announced last summer, but Jack Rodwell's season-long contract with Blackburn Rovers has been a far from wasted move.

He may have only played a bit part role - with Rodwell making just 16 league starts for Tony Mowbray's side - but he has put in some impressive performances to help Rovers secure survival in their first season back in the Championship relatively comfortably.

Now however, Rodwell's contract is coming to an end, and the former England midfielder must make a decision about the next move in his career.

Having achieved his aim of reigniting his career following a disastrous end to his time at Sunderland last season, Rodwell shouldn't be short of options when his Rovers contract expires in just a few weeks time.

Here, we look at three of the options that could be available to Rodwell in the summer.

Push for a new contract at Blackburn

His contract may be coming to an end, but that not necessarily mean his time at Ewood Park will be over in the summer.

Tony Mowbray has so far remained calm about Rodwell's future, but now could be the time for the 28-year-old to push the issue.

Having spent much of the season in a centre back role, Rodwell has recently returned to his more natural midfield role in recent weeks. With on loan Harrison Reed returning to parent club Southampton and Richie Smallwood seemingly out of favour in that position, Rodwell could offer Rovers a fresh option in the middle of the park next season.

Look for another club in the Championship

Rodwell could have other options aside from Rovers in the second tier.

Along with his undoubted ability - which he has now shown in more than one position - Rodwell has demonstrated his desire to play football over anything else, as it is thought he has taken a significant pay cut to move to Ewood Park.

That could help him make a convincing appeal to potential new clubs should he find himself searching for a new home again in just a few weeks time.

Open dialogue with interested Serie A clubs

It isn't just in England where Rodwell has options.

According to The Lancashire Telegraph, Italian Serie A sides Torino and Sassuolo are both interested in the former England international, who is free to talk to clubs with his deal in Lancashire set to expire.

This could be a good move for Rodwell to a country where he may be under less scrutiny for his past reputation, while also offering him the chance of a return to top flight football.