Bristol Rovers have already thrown their hat into the ring to sign Elliot Anderson on loan from Newcastle United next season.
The 19-year-old has already written his name into footballing folklore at Rovers after scoring the crucial final goal of their 7-0 win over Scunthorpe United. Anderson has a brilliant rapport with former Newcastle star Joey Barton and will be assured game-time in League One next season if Rovers get the green light.
Anderson has a clutch of Championship clubs queuing up to sign him in the summer window and there is a chance that Eddie Howe will want to take a closer look at him in pre-season. Rovers will make the case to Newcastle to involve Anderson at the start of their pre-season preparations and get him ready for the 46-game programme ahead of them in the third flight.
Anderson made 22 appearances for Rovers and scored eight times in their promotion charge. But a full season of guaranteed action at the Memorial Ground would put him in good stead for the years ahead of him.
The package that Rovers are putting together would certainly be one that Academy boss Steve Harper would consider carefully. Too often, United have watched talented youngsters head to clubs and end up sidelined, with Matty Bondswell at Shrewsbury the latest example.
But Barton's rapport levels with Harper are good but the player will sit down and look at the options during his holiday. Barton has spoken highly of Anderson and said: "Elliot is a huge talent. He excites you and he showed a different gear to be the stand-out player on the pitch."
