'Advanced talks' - Bristol Rovers accelerate second January transfer with swoop for ex-Bournemouth starlet

Bristol Rovers are in “advanced talks” over a deal to take midfielder Matt Butcher on loan from League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers, according to a new report from Football League World.

The 27-year-old, who has been with Wycombe for a year since signing on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle, would become the second new signing of the January transfer window after fellow midfielder Romaine Sawyers arrived on a short-term deal following his departure from AFC Wimbledon.

If completed, a loan deal with Bristol Rovers would see Butcher stay at the Memorial Stadium for the rest of the current season as he looks to earn more regular first-team minutes away from his current club.

Who is potential new signing Matt Butcher?

Portsmouth-born Butcher began his career with Bournemouth but left the Vitality Stadium in 2020 having made just two senior appearances, both in cup competitions, and has since played for Accrington Stanley, Plymouth and most recently Wycombe, for whom he made 43 appearances, scoring four times.

He also spent time at five sides on loan while on Bournemouth’s books, in non-league, League Two with Yeovil Town and in the Scottish Premiership with St. Johnstone. In total, he has played more than 200 senior games.

Primarily viewed as a defensive midfielder, Butcher fell down the pecking order at Adams Park this season and has started just three League One games this season, although he has come on as a substitute in Wycombe’s two most recent fixtures, against Northampton Town and Barnsley.

Gas seeking further reinforcements

New Rovers manager Inigo Calderon, who took charge on Boxing Day and has one two and lost five of his first seven games, will be hopeful of landing additional reinforcements before the transfer window closes on 3 February, although a midfielder was seen as a key addition.

The Gas are also in the market for a striker and are believed to have missed out with attempts to sign Cardiff City strikers Kion Etete and Michael Reindorf, who are expected to sign for Bolton Wanderers and Notts County respectively on temporary deals.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Calderon is keen to bolster the squad as they battle to avoid being drawn further in to the League One relegation battle. The club currently sit 19th, two places and four points above the drop zone, following a 2-0 defeat away to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.

Bristol Live reporter Dan Hargreaves suggested on social media on Thursday that up to three new signings – one of which is presumed to be Butcher – are close to being completed, so help seems to be on the way at last. Calderon’s side are next in action on Sunday, when they face fellow strugglers Peterborough United, who are one place higher in the standings in the third tier.

In other news, Bolton Wanderers’ manager search has taken a twist with a former Norwich City and Huddersfield Town boss entering the frame, while experienced forward Jevani Brown is edging closer to an exit from the Memorial Stadium.