Bristol Rovers set to battle with quarter of Championship for loan star after parent club wish

Bristol Rovers’ battle to keep hold of Elliot Anderson looks set to intensify as more clubs have been linked with a move to the midfielder.

Anderson, 19, joined the Pirates in January after appearing on the Newcastle United substitute bench on five occasions and has been one of the shining lights for Joey Barton’s side.

The attacker has scored six league goals and assisted a further three since arriving in a deadline day loan deal and has helped steered Rovers into the League Two play-offs, two points behind the automatic places.

But the unwanted feeling that Anderson may miss out on the chance of landing him beyond this season seems to be intensifying even more after Nottingham Forest, Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers and Millwall all interested.

According to Team Talk, Newcastle want their youngster in the Championship next season once he spends a pre-season with Eddie Howe and the first team.

The report also goes on to name Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City, Reading and Stoke City all keen on his services.

It is unclear where Anderson’s future lies. However, speaking earlier this month, Rovers boss Barton told how promotion to League One may give them a chance in bringing him back.

“That’s the horrible thing as a coach because we could have a really good team in League One or if we’re in League Two next year we could lose lots of our players,” he said.

“For El, I think if you get sent from a Premier League club to League Two, he’s been getting loads of rave reviews, so he’ll be aware of it but to get anywhere near Newcastle’s first team next season with the money they might have available to them, he needs them goals or assists.”