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.
17. Sub: Ryan Jones
He’s had a good pre-season, and looks to offer something. It’s now or never for him in terms of breaking through into the side. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
18. Sub: Harvey Greenslade
Greenslade’s on our bench here if it’s decided Marquis, Collins, Sinclair and Thomas all start. Greenslade’s had a bit of pitch time in pre-season and could be good to call upon late on. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Isitene/Getty Images