Bristol Rovers to sign Birmingham City man as Reading near deal for ex-Arsenal striker

Bristol Rovers are closing in on their fourth signing of the summer transfer window, with George Friend set to join shortly.

Friend has been on trial with the Gas since the start of pre-season, and despite not playing against Melksham Town on Friday, is expected to join Rovers shortly, making him the fourth newest player. James Wilson, Luke Thomas and Jevani Brown have all joined in the last fortnight, and now Friend will join, as Joey Barton assembles a squad capable of challenging for a play-off spot.

As per Football Insider, Friend is closing in on a move to the Memorial Stadium, and the announcement shouldn’t be too far away now. In an interview with BristolLive on Friday, Barton all but confirmed the move, and said: "It’s nearly there and he’ll be another good addition to the group for us, he’s been good while he’s been with us.”

Friend spent three years at Birmingham, and in total made 52 appearances for the Blues, with seven of those coming last season in a bit-part role, after falling out of favour under John Eustace. He has made more than 450 appearances in professional football, and has had experience of Premier League football before, though most of his career has been spent in the Championship.

Elsewhere in League One, Reading are closing in on the signing of Theo Walcott, which would represent a major piece of business for the Royals. Walcott has just been relegated from the Premier League with Southampton, and his contract wasn’t extended at St Mary’s Stadium, and now for the first time in his career, it looks like he’ll be playing in the third tier of English football.

According to a report from Reading Today, Reading are closing in on Walcott, and are hoping to complete a deal for him shortly. Ruben Selles is the manager of Reading, and Walcott worked with him on the South Coast with the Saints, and for the last week has been at their training ground, hoping to earn a new deal.

Port Vale meanwhile have made a double signing today, by adding both Ethan Chislett and Jason Lowe to their ranks, taking their arrivals for this summer up to eight. Chislett joins from AFC Wimbledon, meanwhile Lowe was a free agent after opting to leave Salford City following their failed attempt to get out of League Two.