£300k Stoke City man in - Bristol Rovers predicted line-up to face Portsmouth for League One opener - gallery
Bristol Rovers are set to complete the signing of Connor Taylor from Stoke City, according to reports.
Bristol Post report that a bid of £300,000 has been accepted by the Potters, and his return to the Memorial Stadium should be confirmed shortly Stoke have signed Luke McNally on loan from Burnley, and now that is finalised, Taylor’s move surely be confirmed very soon.
Should all go to plan, Taylor will have at least two-three days training under his belt with some familiar teammates, as well as some new faces. Centre-back has been area of concern for Rovers, and so far they’ve signed Tristan Crama from Brentford and James Wilson from 2023/24 League One winners Plymouth Argyle.
A new goalkeeper looks set to make his competitive debut as well with Brentford lending Rovers the England Under-20’s goalkeeper Matt Cox. He’s not played many competitive games, but was back-up keeper to David Raya last season, and now he’s getting his opportunity at Rovers.
We’ve also seen Luke Thomas return to the club, having left play-off finalists Barnsley, for a three-year deal at the club he was once on loan at. The length of his deal shows that he’ll be staying around hopefully for a strong promotion push this year. George Friend and Matt Hall have also joined, but Friend is sidelined and Hall is expected to be third choice for the time being.
Here’s what we think the starting XI could look like against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday, which includes a formation change from what we’ve seen in pre-season.
1. GK: Matt Cox
Got the nod against Chesterfield, and played all of a match. It hints that Cox probably is the first choice goalkeeper and it’s his to lose. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
2. CB: James Wilson
Wilson’s played mainly in a back four this pre-season and has come unstuck a few times, but has still shown his qualities. He’ll be happy with Taylor’s arrival as it could mean a change in shape to three at the back. Photo: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
3. CB: Connor Taylor
He’d surely go straight into the starting XI wouldn’t he? Rovers already know what he’s about and he’s had a pre-season with Stoke, so there should be no worries about fitness. Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
4. CB: Luca Hoole
Hoole has a solid 2023, and he’s always someone that gives his all for the team. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images