Bristol Rovers Premier League target ‘having medical’ as Portsmouth ‘close’ to 12th summer signing

Bristol Rovers have made a strong start on the transfer window so far as they prepare for the 2023/24 season in League One and now they’re close to finalising their next summer deal. Here’s a look at the latest update, including some extra information on their upcoming league opponents Portsmouth.

Premier League goalkeeper undergoing Rovers medical

Brentford and Bristol Rovers have come to an agreement over goalkeeper Matthew Cox, who is set to join the Pirates on loan this summer. That’s according to Football Insider, who report that the England U20 shot-stopper is headed for a season-long loan, subject to a successful medical which is scheduled for today.

Cox spent last season shadowing David Raya, who has attracted a lot of attention from other Premier League clubs. Manager Thomas Frank is said to be a big fan of the youngster and he views him as Brentford’s future No.1 choice between the sticks. Especially as Raya has officially entered the final year of his contract with the Bees, meaning this loan experience could be very valuable for both Cox and his parent club.

Portsmouth close in on 12th summer signing

Rovers will take on Portsmouth in their opening match of the 2023/24 League One season and their opponents are recruiting heavily this summer. Pompey have already welcomed 11 new additions over the threshold and now they’re close to adding a 12th to the roster, a new goalkeeper who can provide competition for Will Norris.

“We are in talks with a goalkeeper and quite far advanced, so hopefully that player can get minutes on Tuesday and also Saturday,” John Mousinho told The News. “He’s not particularly old, but has experience of playing in the Football League.

“That will also mean we can get Josh [Oluwayemi] and Toby [Steward] out on loan. We’ve talked about the strategy with goalkeepers, we want to get the two goalkeepers out on loan so they can have the full season. However, we then need someone that can come in and has played some league games.

“It’s really important to us that we actually have that box ticked if anything should happen to Will. We also want them to compete and keep pushing Will for that number one spot.”