Bristol Rovers linked with transfer swoop for Exeter City star after Hull City decision

Bristol Rovers have been linked with a move for Exeter City’s Harry Kite.

Social media last week linked the Gas with a swoop for the midfielder and Devon Live have now made reference to the rumours on Monday. 

Exeter is of course the former club of Rovers boss Matt Taylor and a potential transfer would make for a reunion. During their five-years together, Kite played 44 times under Taylor and scored six goals. 

The 23-year-old has made 19 appearances in all competitions with one assist. His contract with the Devon side is up at the end of the season according to TransferMarkt. 

Kite missed the Grecians New Year’s Day clash with Carlisle United but that was down to an injury sustained in training. The injury is short-term and he is expected to play against Blackpool at the weekend.

“Harry had a knock in training,” Caldwell said to Devon Live. 

“He was very close and just missed out so he should be back next week."

Rovers have already allowed two midfielders to depart the club this month. Lamare Bogarde was recalled by Aston Villa last week and is expected to move to either a Championship team or Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

Earlier this week it was decided that Ryan Woods would be returning to Hull City. Woods joined on a season-long loan however that has been cut short. He made 16 appearances in all competitions but struggled to force his way into Taylor's plans and his only start came against Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup. 

As for Rovers' current stance on transfers, it is likely that players will need to be moved out before any major pieces of business can be done. Taylor inherited a large squad and the first fortnight of 2024 has been spent with players returning to their respective clubs. 

Speaking last Thursday, Taylor said: “I have to be honest, probably where the club is with the change in management and the change of coaching staff, the change in recruitment dynamic, we're probably playing a bit of catch up.

"We have to also remember that this is a big squad and a deep squad and we've got half a dozen, if not more, senior players currently unavailable or on the outskirts of the squad so there's no desperation to sign players. Of course, we want to improve every window."

Several members of the first-team are currently nursing injuries with Grant Ward being ruled out for several weeks. He joins the likes of Jordan Rossiter, James Wilson and George Friend in the treatment room. Lewis Gordon and Jack Hunt began training this week and are closing in on a return.