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?
13. Jack O’Connell
This would come with some risk, given O’Connell’s not played a competitive game of football since September 2020, but a pay-as-you-play deal could be a good option. He’s only 29, and has had two surgeries on his knee, but Rovers have worked with players with serious injuries before. He’s got loads of experience, and he’s from Liverpool, which seems to come in to play when signing for the Gas. | Getty Images Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
14. Tyler Walker
Linked with a move to Rovers in the past few transfer windows. Walker is wanted by Port Vale, who seem the only club well keen right now. He needs a move where he can reinvent himself, and Rovers could be just that. | Getty Images Photo: Clive Mason Getty Images
15. Callum Ainley
Left Crewe having become one of their all-time appearance makers. Ainley got six assists and two goals for a mid-table side last year and has 69 appearances in the third tier under his belt. | Getty Images Photo: Getty
16. Conor McAleny
McAleny worked with Joey Barton at Fleetwood and could be a good addition to the squad. He got 11 goals and two assists for Salford City, and could replace Harry Anderson. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty