Bristol Rovers reported transfer target chooses League One rival

Bristol Rovers are reportedly set to miss out on one of their reported transfer targets to League One rivals Bolton Wanderers.

Alan Nixon, who is a Football League journalist for The Sun, and also has his own Patreon page, claims that Josh Dacres-Cogley has chosen Bolton, over staying at Tranmere Rovers, or joining either Bristol Rovers or Port Vale. Dacres-Cogley, according to BristolLive earlier this month, was someone that the Gas transfer team had made enquiries about. They had asked the 27-year-old what his wage expectations were, but Bolton who have been in the Premier League before, have seemingly been able to win the race for him.

Dacres-Cogley - who Tranmere wanted to stay - is expected to sign a two-year deal with Ian Evatt's side. Bolton finished in the top six last season, but lost to Barnsley in the play-offs. They signed goalkeeper Nathan Baxter yesterday, following his release from Chelsea, having spent last season loan in the Championship with Hull City. He replaces James Trafford, who is expected to join a Championship club on loan from Manchester City.

The right-back's decision to choose Bolton, is the second time this summer, that Rovers have reportedly missed out on a target to a league rival. It was reported by Darren Witcoop that Tom Sang was someone that Rovers and Cheltenham Town had been interested in signing, but the departing Cardiff City right-back opted for a move to Port Vale instead.

The Trotters are also said to be signing Kane Wilson from Bristol Rovers' inter-city rivals Bristol City. According to BristolLive, a six-figure-sum has been agreed, and he is due for a medical at the University of Bolton Stadium this week. Wilson was the 2021/22 League Two Player of the Year, but after a serious knee injury, he missed most of the campaign, and will now likely come up against the Gas again, this time as a Bolton player.

There is good news for Rovers however, as owner Wael al-Qadi dropped a hint yesterday on Instagram about potential new signings. Al-Qadi was in Italy with first-team manager Joey Barton, CEO Tom Gorringe, and transfer consultant Eddy Jennings, celebrating a key event.