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.
13. NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: James Connolly of Bristol Rovers in action during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and Bristol Rovers at Sixfields on March 19, 2022 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
James Connolly is one of three loan stars at Bristol Rovers this season. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
14. BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Lewis Gordon of Brentford runs with the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Boreham Wood and Brentford at Meadow Park on July 20, 2021 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Lewis Gordon has been given a starting opportunity straight away by Joey Barton. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) | Getty Images
15. Sub: Tristan Crama
He’s done alright in the two games we’ve seen him in. It’ll be good to see him in a competitive setting. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. Sub: Antony Evans
Evans looks like he’ll have to stay as a deep midfielder, because of the signing of Brown, and the formation. He’s better suited in a more advanced role, but he’s changing his game a bit. | Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images