Joey Barton spotted at Liverpool match as Bristol Rovers boss scouts potential transfer target

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton was in attendance as he reportedly took in Liverpool Under-21's 4-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain. The Gas manager never stops as just 24 hours after watching his side exit the EFL Trophy he was taking in age-grade football.

The Reds won, thanks to Billy Koumetio scoring a brace in 37 minutes in between Luke Chambers' penalty with a goal from his own half the best of the six goals the game had on offer. Barton apparently dashed off before he could see Oludare Olufunwa make it four on the hour mark before PSG scored two late goals with Tony Mendy and Pascal Noha Lemina.

Barton is based up north from time to time, and caught a glimpse of the stars of the future of the red side of Liverpool, despite his allegiances being with Everton, the blue half of Merseyside. The Liverpool Echo claim that the 40-year-old was in attendance at Liverpool's Academy Ground, and caught the first-half on Wednesday evening. He along with Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe and several scouts watched on, which could prompt talk of transfer speculation.

Rovers are in the market for reinforcements this transfer window, and during his tenure at the Memorial Stadium, Barton has used the loan market to full effect. Lewis Gibson, Bobby Thomas and Josh Coburn are all on season-long loans from Everton, Burnley and Middlesbrough respectively and they could be joined by more loanees.

The success of Connor Taylor and Elliot Anderson, who have graduated into the Stoke City and Newcastle United first-teams, has proven to Premier League and Championship clubs, that Rovers is a place that can nurture young talent. Barton has not been afraid to throw the youngsters in the deep end, and it was Anderson who drove the Gas to promotion from League Two last season, with Taylor a strong foundation of that promotion-winning side.

One player that could be under consideration is centre-back Jarell Quansah, who Liverpool are reportedly considering letting go out on loan this window. Quansah was replaced at half-time by Lucas Pitt, and that is when Barton supposedly made his exit, with the former Man City midfielder perhaps seeing enough of a potential transfer target.

Defence has been spoken about as an area that could need recruitment given that that Rovers have conceded the third most goals in the League, with only Burton Albion and Forest Green Rovers, both in the relegation zone, conceding more.

The 19-year-old has 14 caps for England at Under-16 level to Under-19 level. Qunsah has yet to make a senior appearance for Liverpool, but has been an unused substitute in Premier League and Carabao Cup matches.

Liverpool Under-21's manager Barry Letwas was all too aware of the keen spectators, and discussed the possibility of a temporary departure away from Anfield, which could bode well.

"Listen, I imagine with the group that we have and the way we are playing, particularly with the way some of the boys are playing, I think if you are a manager and you were looking to loan players, this would be a good place to come and watch," said Lewtas to the Liverpool Echo.

"Whether it is for this window or further down the line, maybe that's what it was [for the managers in attendance]. Or maybe they just wanted to get out of the house! I wouldn't blame anyone wanting to come and see the lads tonight."