Bristol Rovers set to join fierce transfer battle to land ex-West Ham United starlet

Bristol Rovers are said to be showing an interest in Cardiff City forward Michael Reindorf, who could become available on loan this month.

The 19-year-old, who began his career in West Ham United's youth academy, has been starved of first team football since joining Cardiff last summer, and a report from Football League World claims he's sparked some keen admiration from the Pirates.

It is suggested that League Two side Newport County also hold an interest in Reindorf, as both sides look to improve their attacking threat heading into the second half of the campaign. While the report does suggest there is interest in the player from the two clubs, it does note that the Bluebirds may be unwilling to sanction the desired deal.

With star forward Promise Omochere out with a hamstring injury since New Years Day, Rovers will be determined to fill his absence when the opportunity presents itself, so they aren't left to rely to heavily upon Chris Martin and Oxford United loanee Gatlin O'Donkor.

Reindorf's career so far

Reindorf spent time in three separate youth academies during the early stages of his career, appearing on the books of West Ham, Leyton Orient and Norwich City. In 2023, he turned professional with the Canaries, but failed to make a single appearance for the senior side. Before leaving them last summer, he had a loan spell with Southern Premier League side Kettering Town, where he scored twice in 12 appearances.

In last summer's transfer window, Cardiff picked up player on a free agent contract, and he made his professional debut against Bristol Rovers in the Carabao Cup - and clearly made a positive impression with his half-hour cameo - earlier this season.

Speaking after playing the first game of his professional career, he told the Cardiff City website: "The atmosphere was crazy, nothing like I’ve played in before. It was my first time playing first team football and I feel like the crowd were really on our side."

Since then, he played the full ninety minutes in a thrilling 5-3 loss to Southampton in the second round of the Carabao Cup, and contributed an assist for his side's opening goal from Rubin Colwill.

He's made just two Championship appearances for the Bluebirds this season, both coming from the bench against Coventry City and Preston North End respectively.

What comes next for Bristol Rovers?

Meanwhile, excitement is building ahead of the Pirates' FA Cup clash with Ipswich Town this weekend. BBC Sport's Chris Sutton has backed the Premier League side to claim a comfortable 3-0 win, but did hint at a key weakness that Inigo Calderon could look to exploit.

The Gas will head into the match in good spirits, after they banished memories of a dispiriting 3-2 loss to Leyton Orient by beating Cambridge United 1-0 on the road last weekend.

On the transfer front, Bristol Rovers have already completed one signing so far this month, bringing in former West Brom and Brentford midfielder Romaine Sawyers.

Speaking to the club website following his arrival, the seasoned Saint Kitts and Nevis international, who will hope to make his club debut against Ipswich this weekend, said: “It’s great to be here. I appreciate the opportunity that the club and the gaffer have given me, and I really want to repay that faith by putting in good performances between now and the end of the season.”