Bristol Rovers transfer target James Norwood listed for move in January transfer window

The Gas are one of several clubs interested in securing the services of want-away Ipswich striker James Norwood
Rovers transfer target James Norwood was exceptional in Tramere’s promotion winning campaign. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Rovers transfer target James Norwood was exceptional in Tramere’s promotion winning campaign. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Rovers transfer target James Norwood was exceptional in Tramere’s promotion winning campaign. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers transfer target James Norwood has been transfer listed by Ipswich Town after falling out of favour at the club.

The 31-year-old was wanted by Joey Barton during his time at Fleetwood and the manager’s interest in the forward has continued at the Memorial Stadium.

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The East Anglian Daily Times says that Norwood has been training with the Under-23’s side and has been made available for transfer by the Tractor Boys.

Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle and Tranmere Rovers were just a few teams interested in securing his services in the summer, according to local journalist Stuart Watson.

Pompey managed by Danny Cowley, however are not interested in him and cite his wages are too high, given the budget the club is currently working with.

Given Portsmouth may not be able to afford Norwood, that makes Rovers’ chances of signing him unlikely, but a deal could be thrashed out.

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Ipswich may be reluctant to loan him to a club in which he could cause damage, so a temporary move to a team in a lower division, would be less of a risk.

His contract expires next summer too which could put off other potential suitors as they may wait until he is available on a free transfer.

Norwood has just one season of experience in League Two but scored 29 goals in Tranmere’s 2018/19 promotion winning campaign, which saw him finish as top scorer, giving him the Player of the Year award, as well as a place in the Team of the Season.

Should Norwood move on from Ipswich, he will have to build up his match fitness given he hasn’t been involved in a matchday squad since October. He has been limited to just 142 minutes this season.

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Rovers have gone through a striker crisis after injuries to Brett Pitman, Harvey Saunders and Leon Clarke, all of whom were brought in this summer after a strong recruitment push.

Pitman has recently returned to first-team action but Clarke and Saunders remain in the treatment room.

Aaron Collins has also been brought in from Forest Green Rovers, but he has yet to score a league goal, netting only in the 4-3 win over Oxford United in the FA Cup.

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