With it now being well over a month since the end of the season, the contract situation for most players at the clubs they ended the campaign with should be fairly clear as far as the immediate future is concerned.

There are however some players for whom that is far from certain, and one of those is Blackburn’s Jack Rodwell.

It’s a complicated situation that surrounds the former England international, and Football League World takes a more in depth look at it here in our latest six point opinion piece.

Firstly, what is Rodwell’s situation at Rovers?

“Following his somewhat acrimonious departure from Sunderland last summer, Rodwell joined Blackburn in August on a short term contract.

“Rodwell went on to make 22 appearances for Rovers this season, scoring once, although he was primarily used as a centre back, only returning to his more natural central midfield role towards the end of the season.

“With his contract now set to expire at Ewood Park, Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has revealed to The Lancashire Telegraph that he is set for discussions with Rodwell’s representatives over a new deal.”

Is he likely to stay with Blackburn?

“At the minute that seems hard to know.

“Mowbray’s suggestion when discussing Rodwell’s future at the club appeared to be that whether or not the 28-year-old will remain with Rovers is ultimately set to be decided by how much game time he will get at the club.”

So how much game time will he get at the club?

“It could be argued that it will not be that much.

“Rodwell was more of a bit part player for Rovers last season, albeit it not in his favoured position.

“Speaking about Rodwell’s future, Mowbray stated that he could be able to force his into the side if he is given his chance in the team, and the side continues to win, which appears to indicate that he is not set to start the campaign in the starting XI, even if he does stay at Ewood Park.”

Does he have the option to go elsewhere if he isn’t happy with Blackburn’s offer then?

“It seems like it.

“The Lancashire Telegraph has previously reported that Italian top flight sides Torino and Sassuolo are interested in a move for Rodwell, although as of yet there have been no reports of any offers from these sides for Rodwell, and it is not yet known if there is any other interest in the midfielder.”

Could Rodwell be tempted by one of those two sides?

“You would have thought so.

“The move to Italy with one of these two sides would allow him to make a return to top flight football, which will surely appeal to a player who started out at that level.

“Such a change could also relieve some of the scrutiny around him following his time at Sunderland, as that is something that football fans in Italy are unlikely to be as familiar with the events that surrounded his time at The Stadium of Light.”

Finally, where would it leave Blackburn if Rodwell does move elsewhere in the summer?

“It wouldn’t be a huge blow, but he would be missed.

“As mentioned, Rodwell was not exactly a regular feature last season as Rovers made a solid return to the Championship, so they would be confident of managing without him.

“Even so, Rodwell’s versatility – having played in defence and midfield last year – and ability, would probably be an option Rovers would be more than happy to have at their disposal going forward.”