Bristol Rovers braced for double star player exit as rivals look to plunder relegated squad

League One side Peterborough United are believed to be lining up a move to sign recently-relegated Bristol Rovers defender Connor Taylor in the summer transfer window.

The EFL Trophy winners reached the play-off semi-finals in the 2023/24 season under Darren Ferguson, but experienced a much more difficult season this time around under the former Doncaster Rovers boss after flirting with relegation for large chunks of this campaign before climbing into a more respectable 18th placed position.

The Posh were notably beaten 3-1 by Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium in February in a game which saw Taylor produce an impressive performance at the back to nullify the threat of the visiting side.

Peterborough United plot move for Bristol Rovers star Connor Taylor

Football League World claim Peterborough are interested in adding Connor Taylor to their ranks as they look to capitalise on Bristol Rovers’ relegation to the fourth tier. Ferguson's side are undertaking something of a squad rebuild in the wake of what was a disappointing season at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Taylor has spent the last two seasons at the Memorial Stadium after signing from Stoke City in the summer of 2023, having previously enjoyed an impressive loan spell with the club. He was viewed by many as a shining light in a dark campaign, he made 43 appearances over the course of the season.

The 23-year-old won Bristol Rovers’ Player of the Season award and is identified by Ferguson to be a player with high potential that fits the club’s recruitment criteria. Taylor is in the final year of his contract at Rovers which could pressure the club into making a sale as they look to balance the books the best they can to cope with relegation.

Bristol Rovers face battle to keep Kamil Conteh

Championship side Derby County and League One promotion hopefuls Plymouth Argyle are expected to compete to sign central midfielder Kamil Conteh from Bristol Rovers this summer, according to further reports from Football League World.

Derby County avoided relegation to League One after securing a 19th placed finish in the Championship after promotion and are now looking to consolidate their place in the division under John Eustace after a strong start to his tenure since Paul Warne’s exit. Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle were relegated back to the third tier in 23rd position and are expected to back Miron Muslić with new signings if the Bosnian remains on board for the upcoming season.

Watford academy graduate Kamil Conteh made 19 appearances for the Gas during a difficult season which was ultimately marred by a serious knee injury and the club’s relegation.

However, the 22-year-old who was acquired from Grimsby Town for a reported £300,000 - making him amongst the most expensive in the club’s history, did recently break back into the Sierra Leone international team and is seen as the type of player that could perform in the third-tier or higher.

Read More: AI names five transfers Bristol Rovers can make to bounce back to League One after relegation to fourth-tier