Burnley midfielder emerges as target for Bristol Rovers after Shrewsbury interest

Burnley midfielder Adam Phillips has emerged as a new potential transfer target for Bristol Rovers.

The Gas are in the market for up to six new players following the recent arrivals of defenders Lewis Gordon and Joey Barton explains rationale behind starting new Bristol Rovers signing on bench">Lewis Gibson.

Now the attention has been turned into bringing in a new midfield player to add depth to an area that uses a number of players in the current formation and system.

Rovers play with two holding defensive midfielders as well as a central attacking midfield player to provide support to the wingers and striker.

It is understood that Phillips has been made available for transfer by the Clarets and Rovers are now considering making a move.

The 24-year-old has been on the books of Turf Moor since August 2019 after leaving Norwich City, though he has yet to make a senior appearance.

Most of his professional career has been spent at Morecambe, spending three separate loan spells at The Globe Arena, including their promotion winning-campaign in 2020/21.

Phillips returned to Lancashire last season and played 42 times in all competitions, scoring seven goals and earning eight assists.

First-team manager Joey Barton holds a positive relationship with Burnley after his successful spell there as a player, winning the Championship title.

Over the course of the summer, Championship and League One clubs have considered making a move for him with Rovers’ League One rivals Shrewsbury Town one of them, as reported by the Shropshire Star.

As of yet, no club have come close to taking away the midfielder from Burnley, which means the door is still open for Rovers to take him.

Should they pursue a move for him, then it could spell an end to their pursuit of long-term target Luke McCormick, who had a successful loan spell at the Memorial Stadium.

Scottish Premiership side Hibernian were reportedly in for him as reported last week but now Saturday’s opponents Portsmouth are also keen, according to The Sun.

As of yet, no club has been able to meet Wimbledon’s valuation of £200,000 for the player, whilst McCormick himself hasn’t played a single match this season for the Dons.