Bristol Rovers plot Liverpool transfer as forward leaves for League One rival

Bristol Rovers are one of several clubs reportedly chasing Liverpool defender Oludare Olufunwa.

Liverpool have confirmed that Olufunwa is to leave Anfield this summer on a free transfer, and plenty of teams are chasing his signature.

Football Insider claim that Plymouth Argyle - who are set to lose James Wilson to the Gas - are interested, as well as Rovers, and Scottish Premiership sides Kilmarnock and St Mirren. All four teams have registered their interest and will now make their best case to persuade him to move to their club.

Olufunwa is a centre-back by trade, and can also play at right-back. He made eight appearances in total for Liverpool’s Under-21’s last season but had to wait until January 2023 to make his debut. He was previously on the books of Southampton, and made 31 appearances for the Saints, before leaving the South Coast last summer.

During his time with Southampton, he rose through the age groups, and trained with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-team in the 2021/22 campaign. He was signed by Liverpool to cover for what was a youthful defence, that included Jarell Quansah.

In other news, Harry Anderson has found a new club, thus ending his association with Rovers. The 26-year-old was released last month, but Joey Barton was willing to let him train with the club if Anderson was willing to accept lesser terms.

Anderson - who had two seasons as a player at the Memorial Stadium, has chosen to join Rovers’ League One rivals Stevenage. His contract details have not been disclosed but he is the fifth signing of the summer and could face Rovers twice next season.

“I’m really happy to be here”, he said upon signing to the official club website.

“The training facility is a really good setup. I’m here to enjoy my football, get in the best shape possible and have a real good go this season.”

Former Bristol Rovers winger Kyle Bennett meanwhile has found a new club. Bennett, who was a Rovers player from 2018 to 2021, made 62 appearances and registered four goals and four assists.

He was loaned to Grimsby Town in his final season, and later joined AFC Telford United following his release. Bennett moved on to Hednesford Town, and after a year there, later joined Stratford Town, but now he’s moved further down the English pyramid system by signing for Shifnal Town.