Bristol Rovers have an opportunity to bolster their League One play-off hopes in the New Year. The January transfer window is open and it could be the difference for the Gas, who have gave a good account of themselves.
Rovers are only a few points off of a playoff spot, and as they occupy one of the places in the top half of the table, a second consecutive promotion is not outside the realms of possibility. Positive results against Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth Argyle, Peterborough United, and Port Vale have been recorded.
As the January registration period opens, there will be several positions that Joey Barton will want to strengthen in. He had previously spoken of wanting three players, however, that could slightly grow with injuries to several players.
Left-back is an area of concern, given that it is a position that does not have depth. Rovers differ between a left-back and left wing-back, and at the moment Lewis Gordon is the first choice in that position. Gordon has played 26 times this season, and only on two occasions has he not started.
His rival Trevor Clarke is out for the next few months after suffering a groin injury. Clarke had gone from being told he could leave in August to the backup option. The 24-year-old struggled to be available last season and recruiting a new left-back could be a wise decision.
The loan market has been a means of transfer that has served Barton so well during his tenure, and so we take a look at some youngsters from the Premier League who could be realistic transfer targets.
1. Luke Chambers (Liverpool)
Versatility is key for Joey Barton, who plays numerous systems and Chambers can be just that. He is predominantly a left-back but is able to come in at left-back. He came on to play in the centre in the Reds’ mid-season friendly with Olympique Lyonnais earlier this month. He had a spell in pre-season with Jurgen Klopp’s side and has this season gone on to play 19 games this season. Chambers was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s opening Premier League match with Fulham, which highlights his ability. The 18-year-old has three assists and a goal in the Premier League 2 this season, and is ready to get a chance at senior level. Photo: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/via Getty Images
2. Matthew Bondswell (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United lent Elliot Anderson to Rovers last season and the rest is history. The Toon know that for any young player joining Rovers, they will get an opportunity and vital first-team experience. Matthew Bondswell is a suggestion after showing some early promise. He spent time on loan at Shrewsbury Town last year, but was only ever an unused substitute. Photo: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
3. Aaron Donnelly (Nottingham Forest)
A Northern Ireland Under-21 international, Donnelly has international pedigree. The 19-year-old’s natural position is left-back but can also be deployed as a centre-back, which is what Gordon has had to do this season, as well as Lewis Gibson. Photo: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
4. Dylan Williams (Chelsea)
The former Derby County defender has trained with the Blues first-team squad before and has an admirer in John Terry. Williams has tried to shape his game on Ashley Cole, who was successful for both Arsenal and Chelsea, during a respectable playing career. The 19-year-old has nine senior games under his belt, having broken into the Derby team last year. He has six Championship games to his name and could be a solid addition. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images