Bristol Rovers hit block in left-back pursuit as Wigan Athletic reject loan offer

Bristol Rovers have reportedly had a loan bid knocked back by Wigan Athletic for their defender Luke Robinson.

The Gas are in the market for a left-back to provide cover for Josh Grant and Nick Anderton but have been unsuccessful in exploring this avenue.

Asked on Saturday where he’d like to strengthen, Barton said: “I think we could do with a recognised left full-back. Mainly because it just allows Nick Anderton to come into left-side centre-half which I think is his natural position.

“So, I’d probably play left full-back and I think we could do with another Sam Finley, Antony Evans-type midfielder, but they’re difficult to find, especially when you’re a League Two manager.”

Football Insider report that both Rovers and divisional rivals Leyton Orient have had their approaches rejected by the League One club.

It adds that the Latics want to keep him around the first-team as they continue their pursuit for promotion to the Championship.

The likes of Joe Bennett and Tom Pearce are ahead of Robinson in the pecking order but the youngster will continue to battle for his place in the team.

The Greater Manchester based side are currently second in the division with just under half a season of football to to be played.

The 20-year-old has made ten appearances across all competitions but has mainly played in the Cups with just one league start for Leam Richardson’s side.

That start came back in August when he played just under an hour against Rotherham but since then he has not been involved in a league match day squad.

He did find himself on the bench against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup earlier this month but was an unused sub.

His last match in a Wigan shirt came against Arsenal’s Under-21’s in the EFL Trophy, playing 75 minutes.