UPDATED: Latest on Doncaster Rovers transfer business after Ben Whiteman setback

Rovers were this morning reeling from the unexpected blow of losing Ben Whiteman but have steadied the ship with the new deal for Kongolo.

Sheffield United opted to recall Whiteman at the 11th hour due to injury problems at Bramall Lane. A deal had been agreed with Rovers for the 21-year-old to remain at the Keepmoat for the rest of the season.

“Kongolo is done,” boss Darren Ferguson told the Free Press.

“Harry Toffolo has gone back to Norwich because he’s still injured.

“Jordan Houghton we’re looking at doing permanent and I think we’re not far off.”

With players handed Tuesday and Wednesday off this week, Ferguson was set to work alongside chief executive Gavin Baldwin in shoring up loan deals and continuing negotiations with Chelsea over a permanent transfer for Houghton.

But the Rovers boss says he is not sure at this stage what the Premier League giants will want from the potential deal.

He said: “We’re in negotiations and we’re not sure what is required to get him out of there permanently, whether it’s a fee or a sell on. We’re not at that point yet.”

Beyond loan extensions and a permanent deal for Houghton, Ferguson admits he will have little of his budget left for further additions.

“We’ll assess it,” he said.

“I’ve got Alex Kiwomya back training, Luke McCullough is back training.

“We’ll have a little look at it.

“I haven’t got massive things to play with, I’ve got to be honest and I think Houghton coming in would take up most of it.”

Sheffield United are understood to have been delighted with Whiteman’s progress during his spell, which has seen him net seven goals in 30 appearances.

And the Blades initially believed seeing out the season would prepare him for a future at Bramall Lane.

Rovers say they will continue to monitor his situation for the rest of the transfer window but could be forced to look elsewhere to bolster the midfield.