Bristol Rovers are in the off season right now with rumours drying up of who could be coming into the club.
The news of left-back Trevor Clarke signing a new two-year deal is the only real bit of news that has come out of the club in the past few weeks.
It is to be understanded however given that pre-season has not yet begun and most are still in the off season. First-team manager Joey Barton has been on a deserved holiday break after leading the club to a dramatic promotion.
After the release of experienced midfielder Glenn Whelan and Jon Nolan, the loan returns of Sion Spence and Elliot Anderson to their respective parent clubs and the contract status of Antony Evans, it has left the midfield a little light.
Utility man Josh Grant and the ever reliable Sam Finley are options, as well as the out-of-favour Zain Westbrooke, but Paul Coutts will miss the first three games of the campaign.
Barton spoke previously of how a new deal for Evans is important to a good transfer window but there will be plans in place should the talisman want to seek pastures new with the boss possessing a good contacts book for players.
Here we look at some mix-and-match midfielders, some central, some defensive and also attacking, who could add to Bristol Rovers squad for the season. Centre-back is also a position that needs alluding to and we’ve done a similar piece looking at the 10 centre-backs that the Gas could target with all playing in League One last year.
1. Jacob Madox (Vitória Guimarães SC)
Previously of Chelseas academy but made the move to Portugal to play for Vitoria Guimaraes. Spent last season playing under Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and made 18 appearances across all competitions with one goal. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
2. Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest)
Wages may play a part but Harry Arter is unlikely to be involved with Nottingham Forest. Was on loan at Charlton Athletic last season before a dip into the non-league with Notts County. Played in the Premier League and for the Republic of Ireland. Needs a move to rejuvenate his career. Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
3. Matt Smith (Arsenal)
Featured 43 times for Doncaster Rovers last season earning two assists. Had a loan spell at Swindon Town in the 2020/21 campaign too. Highly rated by Arsenal. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
4. Miguel Azeez (Arsenal)
Joined Portsmouth on loan last season but found first-team opportunities limited. Keen to be playing regularly next season and comes with some excitement from the Arsenal youth ranks. Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)