Bradley Johnson has been handed a new deal by Rovers to extend his time at the club into a third season.

Johnson, a free agent signing in 2019 after leaving Derby County, has played 67 times across his two campaigns so far at Ewood Park.

And he is the only member of the club’s out-of-contract players to agree fresh terms with the club heading into the 2021/22 season.

Ryan Nyambe, Joe Rothwell and Joe Rankin-Costello have all seen the options in their contracts triggered for a further 12 months, while the club remain in talks with Elliott Bennett, although the 32-year-old is free to speak with other clubs.

Harry Chapman has also been offered a new deal by Rovers having impressed during his loan spell at Shrewsbury Town. 

Johnson played 32 times in the season just gone, scoring three goals, and was named Championship player of the month for September, after an impressive start to the campaign, including netting twice against his former side.

The former Norwich City and Leeds United man, who turned 34 last month, played 67 times in all, and has passed 600 appearances across his career.

He will add some much needed experience to a Rovers midfield that has seen the departures of Corry Evans, Lewis Holtby and Stewart Downing, as well as Tom Trybull returning to Norwich City at the end of his loan spell.

Rovers say they have triggered the options in the deals of Nyambe, Rankin-Costello and Rothwell as talks over extended stays continue.

Nyambe graduated through the Rovers Academy and has since made 169 appearances for the first-team. He made 39 of those in 2020/21 and has already earned international recognition with Namibia.

The 23-year-old had signed a two-year deal in 2019 which included a one-year option that Rovers have triggered to ensure he is under contract for next season.

Rankin-Costello made 16 appearances, scoring in the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster in August, in what has been an injury hit campaign.

He was first troubled by a hamstring injury which kept him out for three months and then an fractured metatarsal saw his season curtailed after the defeat at Wycombe in April. However, he hopes to be fit for pre-season to push for more regular game-time next term.

The 21-year-old has impressed not least with his versatility, playing as a full back on both sides of the pitch, having initially graduated through the Academy to make his senior debut in October 2017.

Rothwell arrived at Rovers as the first signing after promotion from League One, signing on a three-year deal from Oxford United which included a 12-month option that has been triggered.

Tony Mowbray has predicted a big season ahead for the midfielder who has enjoyed a more regular role in the side in 2020/21. He made 42 appearances, scoring three goals, and he has now played 118 games for the club since his arrival at Ewood Park.

The 26-year-old former Manchester United youngster has scored seven times in Rovers colours.