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?
9. Luke Matheson
Matheson had a lot of hype and made his professional debut at 15, and was signed by Wolves for £1m. He’s been released and is on the search for a new club, and at 20, his next move is crucial to his development. He’s predominantly a right-back, so that could force Luca Hoole in to the centre. | Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
10. Luke Amos
Released by Barton’s former club QPR. He’s had a bit of promise about him, but at 26 needs a permanent home. Grant and Ward’s new deals makes a defensive midfielder not a priority but with 21 games in the Championship this season, he’d for sure be a player worth looking at. | Getty Images Photo: Getty
11. Matthew Pennington
Alright, Shrewsbury finished higher than Rovers, but given their managerial situation has come at a time where Pennington’s deal is up, then could the Gas pounce? Pennington is a solid centre-back and came from Everton’s academy, and he could be what Barton builds his defence around. | Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk/Getty
12. Archie Collins
Exeter City are awaiting the decision of Collins and whether he will stay at the club. No deadline has been placed on them, but you’d expect a decision soon. He missed just one game last season, and got four goals and two assists. He’s only ever been at Exeter, and perhaps is most likely to re-sign but could Rovers persuade him? | Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump/Gety