Bristol Rovers have yet to sign any new players ahead of the transfer window opening next week, but progress is still being made.
Grant Ward, Josh Grant and Harvey Greenslade have all signed new deals with the club, after the out-of-contract trio had all approached the end of their previous deals. The Gas have a small squad at the minute, and reinforcements will be needed but the fact that two of their senior players have committed for next season, means there is less to worry about when pre-season begins shortly.
Joey Barton wants up to four new arrivals when he takes his squad to the Royal Commandos base for a pre-season training camp hat is hopefully going to work as a positive opportunity for team building. It's something that his former boss Sean Dyche used to do at Burnley, and there's an importance that any new recruits get on board with Rovers and their plans for next season.
Barton himself has been on holiday, and has been letting his hair down before he gets back in to the swing of things. The 40-year-old is set to miss the first three games of the seasn because of an EFL stadium ban, so any contact time he has with the players now will be crucial.
Here we look at free agents across the Premier League and the Football League, and look at some realistic targets for the club. Some already are attracting interest from other clubs, and Rovers will have to be quick. What do you think? Are any of these worth a go, or do you think they should look elsewhere?

5. Tyler Smith
Could Rovers consider re-signing Smith? He failed to score for Oxford but has played 68 times in League One. 13 goals isn’t loads but three of them came at a loan spell at Rovers. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

6. Rolando Aarons
Aarons grew up in Bristol and came through City’s academy. He had much promise growing up but maybe hasn’t hit the heights. Joey Barton can be the man to find the best version of Aarons. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty

7. BRADFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Romoney Crichlow of Bradford City reacts during the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Bradford City and Carlisle United at University of Bradford Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Bradford, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Getty Images

8. Scott Malone
Malone has just been let go by Millwall, despite making 33 appearances. He’d still do a job in the Championship, but if they could persuade him to join, he’d be a brilliant experienced option to call upon. | Getty Images Photo: Getty


