Luke McCormick could make a return to Bristol Rovers on a permanent deal with boss Joey Barton preparing for life in League One but chances of a deal appear difficult given the midfielder's contract at AFC Wimbledon.
McCormick, 23, spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at the Mem and was a hit during his temporary spell, impressing with six goals in his 40 appearances despite the club's relegation.
He then returned to Chelsea where he rose through the academy from the age of six before joining AFC Wimbledon on a permanent deal last summer. He became an important member of the side during their relegation campaign.
According to Alan Nixon, Barton wants to bring McCormick back to the club with the player eager to stay in League One.
Bristol Live understands McCormick is a player under consideration for this summer but is one of several in that position and his contract status in South London - he has two years to run on his agreement signed last summer - makes a deal potentially difficult given there will be a fee involved.
With the Gas reasonable well stocked in central midfield, and even more so if Antony Evans stays, there is a feeling transfer funds will be more sensibly used on other areas of the field.
Rovers do have a competitive budget for this summer, as they prepare for a return to League One, but with a number of players required across the pitch, resources have to be used sensibly and free transfers explored first.
Callum Camps, for example, could make sense as a more economically-wise move given the attacking midfielder is a free agent following his release by Fleetwood Town and very nearly joined the Gas in January.
McCormick was a fan's favourite during his season with Rovers although he never got to play in front of supporters. Had the club secured survival, he probably would have joined on a permanent deal last summer.
Upon leaving the club, he spoke positively of the club by saying: "My time at Bristol Rovers was brilliant, it wasn’t the outcome everyone wanted. But personally I can’t speak highly enough of the football club."
A goalscoring midfielder, McCormick's numbers continued to be impressive despite AFC Wimbledon's difficult season. He scored seven and assisted seven in the league having played most of his matches in the No10 role.
His potential arrival at Rovers would certainly add more of a threat to the club's attack and the Gas are likely to face competition for his signature should AFC Wimbledon be forced to let him leave.
Rovers are yet to make a summer signing with Barton assessing his options although centre-backs remain one of his priorities with last season's loanees returning to their parent clubs.
Cardiff have activated an option in James Connolly's contract to keep him in Wales for another 12 months although a return to Rovers hasn't been ruled out with his position in Steve Morison's side still uncertain.
In regards to Connor Taylor, Stoke boss Michael O'Neill wants to take a look at the centre-back in pre-season before deciding whether to sanction another loan move. Barton wants both to return following their successful temporary switches.
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