Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray admits that the Championship club might find themselves powerless to prevent a Premier League move for reported Newcastle United target Adam Armstrong.

Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph that 'if, in his stomach, he wants to go play in the Premier League... we're not really in a position, financially, to stop that'.

TEAMtalk reported in March that Newcastle were intent on bringing Armstrong back to St James' Park.

Armstrong found Newcastle opportunities limited the first time around

The Magpies academy product left Tyneside for Ewood Park in the summer of 2018 with only 21 appearances under his belt at St James' Park.

Armstrong was sent out on loan four times before making a permanent exit, but it seems Newcastle are regretting their decision in light of Armstrong's subsequent exploits in the Championship.

Only Toney and Pukki leading Armstrong

The 24-year-old has netted an excellent 24 goals in 38 appearances in the second tier this season. Having bagged a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Huddersfield last weekend, after which Mowbray hailed him as "brilliant", he sits third in the division's scoring charts, one behind Norwich City's Teemu Pukki and five back from Brentford's Ivan Toney.

However, while the Canaries are promoted and the Bees are set for the play-offs, Blackburn are languishing in 15th, making Armstrong's exploits all the more impressive - and potentially making it harder for them to keep him at Ewood Park.

Newcastle negotiated a 40% sell-on clause with Rovers in 2018, which could be written off as part of the deal.

Transfer Tavern verdict

The £14million-rated Armstrong is more than deserving of a crack at the top flight based on his exploits this season, but he would likely need assurances of consistent first team as otherwise he may fear that his career could stall.

Callum Wilson's spot is guaranteed whenever he is fit given his impressive goal return, so it may all depend on the manager's willingness to commit to playing two up front should Armstrong retrace his steps to Newcastle.

In other news, Steve Bruce addressed another forward's fresh injury scare.