Bristol Rovers ‘interested’ in Hibernian midfielder after rejecting League One transfer

Bristol Rovers are reportedly interested in signing Jake Doyle-Hayes from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

The Gas have yet to make any signings in the January transfer window, but Joey Barton wants to recruit six new players over the next two weeks. Alfie Kilgourhas been sold to Mansfield Town, whilst Trevor Clarke has been loaned out to Shamrock Rovers, which could free up transfer funds for new arrivals in this window. Bobby Thomas’ loan meanwhile was terminated and the Burnley centre-back swiftly joined Barnsley.

In the last week, Rovers have been linked with a move for Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, meanwhile Mateusz Musialowski could be a player of interest. Barton had been in Liverpool last week and took in an Under-21's match against PSG, with a few players catching the eye. As of yet, there has only been speculation and no concrete news about potential incomings to the Memorial Stadium, and now a new name has emerged as a potential transfer target.

Affiliate outlet Edinburgh Evening News say that there is interest from Rovers, as well as clubs from abroad. The current situation is that no new bids have yet been lodged for Doyle-Hayes.

Doyle-Hayes was subject of interest from Rovers' local rivals Forest Green earlier in the window and a bid was accepted for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder. He had turned down the opportunity to play for the League One strugglers, and since then clubs have monitored his situation.

The 24-year-old made a return to action last Saturday, coming on as a substitute in Hibs' 2-2 draw with Dundee United. Doyle-Hayes had been out of action with an ankle injury that had him sidelined from mid-September.

He has been at Hibernian for one season in total has made 54 appearances for the Edinburgh club, scoring two goals and earning an assist. Doyle-Hayes has played 10 matches this season, but has started in just four of them.

Doyle-Hayes came through the academy of Aston Villa and left after making just three senior appearances. He had loan spells at Cambridge United and Cheltenham Town, before signing for St Mirren permanently in November 2020.