Bristol Rovers transfer news: Premier League goalkeeper medical, Pompey appointment near

Bristol Rovers are closing in on potentially two signings with both Ellery Balcombe and Jarell Quansah strongly linked with a move to the Memorial Stadium.

The Gas have yet to sign anybody in the January transfer window and have so far let Alfie Kilgour and Trevor Clarke leave for an undisclosed fee and the other on loan. Joey Barton is eyeing up to six new signings and the possibility of two coming through the door is exciting the Gasheads.

Rovers have Wycombe Wanderers on the weekend - a team that beat them on Boxing Day at Adams Park, but now in front of the passionate Mem crowd, Rovers want to get back to winning ways. A draw against Cambridge and a loss to Accrington Stanley has made it two wins in five and if the Gas are to mount a play-off push they must beat Wycombe.

Peterborough United’s win against Port Vale on Monday knocked Rovers down a place, but they remain three places off of the play-offs. Sixth-placed Barnsley do have three games in hand however.

Here’s the latest news around League One, including transfer news and a possible managerial appointment.

POMPEY CLOSE TO COWLEY SUCCESSOR

Portsmouth after sacking Danny Cowley could end their 17-day search for a manager today with the possibility of an appointment on Thursday. The Hampshire club had been expected to appoint a new man in the last 48 hours but that was three days ago. Caretaker manager Simon Bassey will take the pre-match press conference but a new man could be appointed today. (The News)

ROVERS MEDICAL BOOKED FOR PREM GOALKEEPER

Brentford goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe will undergo a medical today ahead of a proposed loan move to Bristol Rovers. Balcome’s loan at Crawley Town was ended early, paving the way for him to join the Gas and his arrival is to challenge James Belshaw, not be back-up. The 23-year-old should be eligible to make his debut on Saturday. (Bristol Live)

POMPEY DEFENDER COULD REUNITE WITH CAMBRIDGE

Portsmouth defender Michael Morrison could be set for an emotional return to Cambridge United. Morrison joined Pompey in the summer and has played 28 times for them, but his first club Cambridge could reunite with them. Manager Mark Bonner did not rule out a move for the 34-year-old. (Cambridge Independent)

WATFORD DEFENDER SET FOR EXETER MOVE

Mattie Pollock has agreed to join Exeter City on loan until the end of the season. Pollock was at Cheltenham last year and was kept at Vicarage Road by the Hornets but now he will be allowed to leave. Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton, Blackpool, Burton Albion and Barnsley were interested but it is the Grecians that have won the race. (Football Insider)

BOLTON STRIKER MOVES ABROAD

Dapo Afolayan has moved to German second division side St Pauli for an undisclosed fee. Afolayan scored 16 goals in 87 league games after arriving on loan from West Ham United. Manager Ian Evatt described him as ‘an ambitious young’ man and wished him well after his departure. (Bolton Wanderers official club website)