Bristol Rovers striker linked with Bristol City and QPR return as Hull City block transfer and Wolves rumour debunked

Bristol Rovers could be braced for a transfer battle this month as two Championship clubs reportedly consider a move for Chris Martin, according to the national media.

According to the paper edition of the Mirror, Martin's former clubs Bristol City and QPR are interested in re-signing Martin. The 35-year-old only left Loftus Road in the summer having joined them on a short-term contract following his release from City. QPR and City are said to be monitoring the situation, however there is also said to be a top League One side interested.

The 17-time Scotland international is based in Bristol having played for the Robins from 2020 to 2023 before his contract was terminated. His deal with Rovers is up in the next fortnight, and there has been no progress made on extending his short-term contract.

"It [the situation] hasn't changed," said Martin to the Bristol Post following his brace against Charlton Athletic on December 29.

"My contract ends - I'm not even sure. The 20-something of January, whenever it was. I actually can't remember the exact date but nothing's changed. No words. I continue to do the job and see what happens."

To date, Martin has got eight goals in 16 games for Rovers with most of his appearances coming off the substitute's bench. He was signed by Joey Barton after the Gas had missed out on signing Jonson Clarke-Harris, and the Gas will be reluctant to lose one of their leading players this month, especially to their inter-city rivals. It is seven-years since Matt Taylor made the move across the city from the Memorial Stadium to the Gate.

In other news, Bristol Post's City reporter James Piercy has dispelled rumours linking Luke Cundle with a move to the Robins. Cundle signed a season-long loan with Stoke City after being recalled by Wolves from his spell at Plymouth Argyle. According to the Express & Star, City had been one of the leading clubs in the race to sign Cundle, however that does not seem to be the case in the latest report.

Piercy said in a post on Twitter: "Very small thing - not worth a story etc - but probably needs saying, unlike Finn Azaz, don’t think Luke Cundle was ever under serious consideration at Bristol City. Any “missing out on another target” narrative isn’t and won’t be accurate."

Rovers meanwhile have been dealt a blow as it emerged that Hull City are not keen to move on midfielder Greg Docherty according to Hull Live. Social media reports linked Docherty with moves to Rovers and Charlton Athletic last week, but the Tigers' lack of squad depth in midfield at the minute makes a departure unlikely.