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.
5. James Furlong (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Furlong is experienced when it comes to playing at Under-21’s football. He has made 59 appearances, and has registered five assists in that time. Furlong’s experience of senior level football is as an unused substitute against Chelsea, as well as an appearance against Forest Green Rovers in the Carabao Cup. The 20-year-old came through the academy system in Ireland, and played once for Shamrock Rovers. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
6. Fin Stevens (Brentford)
Fin Stevens has returned to Brentford after his loan spell at Swansea City was cut short. He was originally meant to be with the Swans for the season, but after just five league appearances, is back in London. Stevens | Getty Images Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images.
7. Matthew Craig (Tottenham Hotspur)
Craig isn’t a predominant left-back but has played there and in defensive midfield, centre-back and right-back. Craig is Spurs’ Under-21’s captain and leadership is a trait that Barton could be impressed by. | Getty Images Photo: (Paul Harding/Getty Images)
8. Noah Watson (Crystal Palace)
Watson came up against Bristol Rovers earlier in the season in the EFL Trophy. Palace showed some bite and riled up Rovers. Palace have a good academy and Watson could be an option to consider. | Getty Images Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images