BLACKBURN Rovers have rejected an opening offer from Saints for Adam Armstrong, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

Saints have been strongly linked with a move for the striker this summer.

And the local newspaper in Lancashire say a first bid of the transfer window has now been tabled for the 24-year-old, but swiftly rejected.

The report says Saints are the first club to show their interest in Armstrong this summer, following his 28-goal haul in the Championship last term.

The prolific frontman is currently away with Blackburn as part of their pre-season training camp in Scotland.

Armstrong's contract is understood to expire next summer, with Rovers said to be holding out for £20million for their star man.

He joined Blackburn from Newcastle for £1.75million in 2018, with the Tyneside club said to retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause on any profit raised by the sale of Armstrong.