Bristol Rovers and Plymouth ‘target’ goes on trial as Liverpool star tipped to leave

Burton Albion have reportedly taken reported Bristol Rovers transfer target Oludare Olufunwa on trial, according to reports.

Olofunwa was released by Liverpool earlier this summer, and was subject of interest from a few Football League clubs, as well as two in Scotland. The Gas were said to hold an interest, as well as newly promoted Plymouth Argyle, according to Football Insider, as well as Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

The 21-year-old however has been pictured training with Burton, and has played in a few friendly matches. He played 45 minutes against Alfreton Town and Crewe Alexandra last week, and according to All Nigeria Soccer, Brewers boss Dino Maamria is now running the rule over whether he deserves a contract or not.

Olfunwa has made just four appearances in senior football, appearing twice for Liverpool and Southampton’s Under-21’s teams in the EFL Trophy. His main experience has come from playing in the Premier League 2, where he has appeared 31 for the Reds and Saints, with the majority of them coming from his time in Hampshire.

Given Olufunwa’s been on trial at Burton for longer than a week, it seems unlikely that the defender will make the move to the Memorial Stadium, with a move to the Pirrelli Stadium now likely. Rovers remain in the transfer market for new players, but the majority of their staff and players are now in Portugal, with business expected to pick up when they return next week.

Rovers are on the search for a new centre-back, and it was reported by BristolLive last week that Will Boyle was a target for them. Joey Barton wants a left-sided centre-back, and Boyle fit the bill but he ended up signing for Wrexham from Huddersfield Town. The Gas did consider themselves outside contenders for Lewis Gibson, following a successful loan spell but he opted for a move to Plymouth after turning down an offer of a new contract at Everton.

Meanwhile, This is Anfield assistant editor Jack Lusby says that fans should expect Matesuz Musialowski to leave Anfield this summer. Musialowski was highly regarded by Joey Barton after watching him in January when he attended a Liverpool Under-21’s match to scout out Jarell Quansah. Muislaowski was not involved in any academy media material, and has received loan offers with a loan-to-buy from clubs in Poland, with his contract expiring in 2024.

As of yet, Rovers have only had one trialist in their matches so far in pre-season, and that is Teo Kurtan, a midfielder who was playing for Walton & Hersham in the non-league last season.