as Bristol Bears start to use their new almost completed Training centre - Rogan/JMP - 08/07/2020 - RUGBY UNION - Beggar Bush Lane - Bristol, England.
Bristol Rovers have had a bid accepted from Stoke City for former loanee Connor Taylor, with a medical now set to take place within the next 24 hours, reports Bristol Live.
The fee is believed to be in the region of £300,000, with the Gas beating significant competition from Championship side Plymouth Argyle and fellow League One side Barnsley.
Additional investment in the playing squad is expected following the news of an imminent takeover from Kuwaiti businessman Hussain Al Saeed, but this deal is thought to be independent of that commitment.
Taylor’s first-choice for a move was a return to the Memorial Ground, where he was a key part of Joey Barton’s side which achieved promotion back to League One at the first attempt, playing 41 times during his loan spell in 2021/22.
His performances were rewarded with the club’s Young Player of the Year award, becoming a fan favourite in the process.
However, the 21-year-old saw himself fall out of favour at his boyhood club after the arrival of manager Alex Neil last August, leaving the centre-back frustrated at the lack of opportunities. The youngster played the first 11 games of the Championship season, before being excluded from the side for 31 consecutive matches.
The Potters have also signed Michael Rose this window, and are closing in on a season-long loan for Burnley’s Luke McNally, further cementing Taylor’s view that his future lies outside of the bet365 Stadium
A deal should be completed before the 2023/24 season gets underway with a trip to Portsmouth at Fratton Park, with the 6ft defender set to make his second Rovers debut alongside James Wilson, who was signed as a free agent from Plymouth earlier this summer.
Writer’s View
This is a huge coup for Bristol Rovers, who have beaten a Championship side in Plymouth, and a Barnsley team that will have promotion on their mind to his signature.
Taylor will fit straight into the squad and the dressing room, as he was a popular man amongst teammates and supporters during his previous spell.
Already aerially dominant, quick, and comfortable with the ball at his feet, the 21-year-old truly has his best years ahead of him, and this is a real statement of intent following the news of fresh Kuwaiti investment into the club.
