Peterborough United grant Bristol Rovers linked Jonson Clarke-Harris permission for transfer

Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has provided an update on Jonson Clarke-Harris, ahead of a proposed deadline day move.

The 29-year-old has been a target for Bristol Rovers, and earlier in the day MacAnthony had revealed that Wael al-Qadi had been in contact.

Several bids had been rejected for last season’s Golden Boot winner, but now he could be set for a departure from London Road.

Clarke-Harris has been made available for transfer and was placed on the transfer list in June. Peterborough had been keen to reduce their wage bill and move in a different direction by recruiting younger players.

In a tweet, MacAnthony said: “We have given JCH permission to speak to a Club tonight over a permanent move. Over to the club & player to agree terms.”

Rovers have been keen to recruit a striker, in what is seen as the final piece of the jigsaw of Joey Barton’s transfer business. A total of 12 new signings have been made this summer, and a signing of Clarke-Harris calibre would certify them as serious promotion contenders.

Clarke-Harris is a popular figure at the Mem, having been prolific during his time at the club. He scored 27 goals in 52 games for Rovers, before being snapped up by Peterborough in 2019. Should Rovers be the club that have secured the signature, then it is likely to break the club record transfer fee that paid for Andy Tillson in 1992.

In other news, the Bristol Post have reported that Ryan Loft is undergoing a medical at Port Vale. He is close to signing a two-year deal at Vale Park with the option of a further year. Rovers are set to receive an undisclosed fee for the 25-year-old.

Loft had spent a season-and-a-half at the Memorial Stadium and got seven goals and six assists in 57 games. His contract was due to expire in the summer of 2024, and now Rovers have received a fee for his services. He had made three appearances this season but didn’t start in either of them and was not in the match-day squad against Wycombe Wanderers last week.