Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann provides key update on Luke Molyneux plus latest on Owen Bailey future

The 28-year-old recently started the final year of his deal, which expires next June, and has rebuffed Rovers' overtures regarding fresh terms, with the club making moves to speak to him following the end of last season.

It makes his situation uncertain heading into the new campaign, but McCann insists that the club have made contingencies should the north-easterner be sold this summer.

The club remain more positive regarding captain Owen Bailey, who has been in discussions regarding a new contract.

Bailey was named on the four-player shortlist alongside Lincoln City duo Sonny Bradley and Jack Moylan and Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard for last season's EFL League One player of the year in 2025-26 – while also being named in the divisional line-up.

The feats of Bailey, who scored 16 times last term, have not gone unnoticed elsewhere with a number of clubs having been tracking the 27-year-old this summer.

Contractually, Rovers are in a stronger position regarding Bailey, who effectively has two years left on his current deal. He has 12 months remaining on his current contract, but the club hold a further year's option.

Speaking in April, McCann said that it would take a 'serious amount of money' to prise away Molyneux or Bailey.

Providing an update on the situation, McCann said: “Luke, unfortunately, has not wanted to get into negotiations and rejected the deal, which is his prerogative.

“So that's where he is. With Owen Bailey, we've had a discussion with him. I don't think we're too far away and we'll keep trying.

“He's obviously enjoyed being here; he's a top captain, so we're still in negotiations.

“We've rejected a bid for Luke, so that (situation) is in (ongoing) discussions at the minute.

“This came after we offered the contract. so I don't want anyone thinking we offered him a contract because of the bid, it was way before the bid. So that's what we are with Luke. We'll see how that progresses.”

On whether he expects Molyneux to be a Rovers player come the big kick-off, he added: “Who knows, it's a hard question to answer.

“He's had 70 overall contributions in three seasons. So this is what we are in the early stages of. If they (clubs) get to the sort of figures that we think he's worth, then we probably would be open, down the line.”

Stressing that any proceeds from any potential sale of Molyneux would be reinvested back into the squad, McCann continued: “Absolutely. The way we work, we've always got contingency plans, and we're already on that. I have a pretty semi-agreed deal that we'll be able to bring in another player in the same position.”

On the incoming front, Rovers have been very active so far this close season, bringing in eight players. Earlier this week, midfielder Isaac Hutchinson joined for a six-figure fee from Bristol Rovers.