AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson has told Bristol Rovers he is under no pressure to sell Luke McCormick who remains a leading transfer target for the Gas this summer.
Bristol Live understands that Rovers have had one bid rejected for the 23-year-old, which fell below the Dons’ £200,000 valuation of the midfielder but there is a feeling a compromise can be reached.
McCormick, who has two years remaining on his contract, isn’t injured but was left out of the matchday 18 against Gillingham last Saturday by Jackson having been left unsettled by the speculation around his future at Plough Lane.
The former Chelsea academy player is keen for a move away from south London, particularly because he has the opportunity to return to League One with Rovers and work under Barton again having experienced a fruitful season in north Bristol during the 2020/21 campaign in which he was one of the few shining lights as the Gas were relegated.
But Jackson remains defiant that if Rovers want their man, they will have to pay for him, a sentiment only reinforced by the £1m package they agreed with Huddersfield Town earlier in the window for Jack Rudoni.
“There is no pressure for us to sell any of our players,” Jackson told South London Press. “I’m not under any pressure as a manager to sell any players or to play any players – I’m being given the freedom to manage it how I see fit.
“Football is football, and everyone has a valuation and number – your decision process goes from there. At the moment, there is no decision to make.”
Barton claimed over the weekend that Rovers have one of the smaller transfer budgets in the division having graduated from League Two where they were one of the heavyweight clubs in the market.
The manager does want to add another central midfielder to his squad and with McCormick a known-talent who should, theoretically, seamlessly step into the squad and Barton’s methods, he seems a wise investment. At 23, there is also the potential for further development to become a better player and to increase his market value, something the Rovers manager believes he can achieve.
Jackson is remaining defiant, however, and until Rovers reach their desired figure, he won’t be sold albeit with the nagging concern of retaining a player in the squad who clearly doesn’t want to be a part of the future.
“There is no update on him,” Jackson added. “He is a good player there has been interest in, but he has got two years left on his contract and is highly valued by the club. With that, [it means he] comes at a premium.
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