Bristol Rovers have yet to make a summer signing but transfer speculation has picked up over the last fortnight.
The Gas are reportedly closing in on the free transfer of James Wilson, who left League One winners Plymouth Argyle this week. The 34-year-old has decided not to join the Pilgrims in the Championship and instead according to BristolLive, has agreed personal terms with Rovers, and just needs to complete a successful medical.
Wilson’s arrival will be a major relief given the lack of options at centre-back. His potential arrival signals that Rovers are slightly moving away from their preference of signing young players and are adding some much-needed experience to help complement what is a youthful side.
The centre-back has 376 career appearances to Date, and 262 of those have come in the third tier. A two-time League One winner, his imminent arrival could be the signing that inspires others to join Joey Barton, who is trying to assemble a team capable of challenging for the play-offs.
Wilson isn’t the only player linked with a move to the Memorial Stadium, Josh Dacres-Cogley from Tranmere Rovers is apparently on the transfer shortlist. Dacres-Cogley, who had experience in the Championship with Birmingham City, is wanted by several League One clubs, but could also stay at Prenton Park. A right-back seems to be a position that is on the agenda, with Tom Sang linked, but he chose to join Port Vale.
Based on the rumours reported so far, here’s what the Rovers team could look like on the first day of League One.
1. GK: James Belshaw
First choice for the time being. No goalkeeper has been linked so far, and Belshaw is a firm fan favourite. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
2. RCB: James Wilson
Plymouth’s title-winning formula included a three-centre-back formation, and Wilson’s potential arrival probably means that the formation will be tried again. He played as a right-sided centre-back, and that’s probably where we’ll see him. There’s question marks on his pace, and so having two other centre-backs around him, as well as wing-backs will help. | Getty Images Photo: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
3. CB: Luca Hoole
Hoole had a difficult start to last season, but then found some confidence, which resulted in good form, with fans noticing. His best position is right-back, but Joey Barton does see his future at centre-back. His pace means he’s probably best suited to be in the centre out of the current two centre-backs at the club, and Wilson’s arrival. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
4. LCB: James Connolly
Connolly is the only senior contracted centre-back at the club right now, and playing him on the left would be his weaker side. Wilson isn’t expected to be the only centre-back joining this year, and so it’s a big summer ahead for the former Cardiff City starlet. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images