Newcastle United have several clubs interested in taking Elliot Anderson on loan next season after his sparkling displays in a Bristol Rovers shirt, according to reports in the North East.
Sister title Chronicle Live says a "queue" of clubs eager to sign the 19-year-old playmaker has formed as a result of his brilliant form, which is helping power Rovers' push for promotion.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was eager for Anderson – who has been called up for under-21 international duty later this month by Scotland – to secure a loan move to a Championship club in January, with Luton Town among those interested. The Hatters, however, decided against a move and Anderson headed to Rovers on deadline day.
His play is proving the Magpies boss right; Anderson has scored high-class goals against Stevenage, Harrogate Town and Colchester United and played a significant role in Rovers' surge into contention.
It should be of no surprise that clubs are already laying the groundwork to try to sign Anderson for next season. Luton's assistant manager and chief recruitment officer Mick Harford watched Anderson's man-of-the-match performance against Colchester from the stands at the Mem on Tuesday, and many others are doing due diligence on the player.
The likelihood is Anderson's will not play for the Gas again once his loan spell in BS7 ends, with a bright future ahead. Howe is delighted by the player's progress at the Mem.
"I am so pleased for him," the Newcastle manager said. "When we came in you could see he was a player of undoubted quality. I'd heard a lot of good things before working with him. He's got a great attitude, he stays behind every day to work on certain aspects of his game.
"I was aware that he needed to go and play. We wanted that for him, we're delighted he's doing so well. I have said before it's not a total surprise to me – I think he can play a lot higher than League Two but he has taken his opportunity. We will have to review it as we will with every player in the summer."
Rovers boss Joey Barton was full of praise for the teenager after he inspired Rovers' victory on Tuesday.
"The match-winner today was young Elliot Anderson," he said. "I’d have paid to watch him tonight. He was that good.
"I think to get the goal early in the second half just caps a wonderful individual performance. But also a young player growing into the shirt and we’re delighted to have him."
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