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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
James Piercy

Ex-Bristol Rovers striker on the move as Bolton battle Derby for forward - League One headlines

Bristol Rovers are yet to make a transfer splash in League One since gaining promotion last month but it remains early days in the summer market with a number of moving parts.

They, of course, include the contract future of Antony Evans - with Rovers waiting on a decision from the out-of-contract playmaker - plus whether or not they can re-sign some (or all) of the loanees so integral to their campaign last season.

Joey Barton is on his summer break but the manager is still conducting business as the Gas look to get ahead of their rivals but the expectation is that activity won't properly click into gear until from next week when the transfer window opens.

In the meantime, here are the latest transfer headlines from across League One...

Ayunga crosses the border

Former Bristol Rovers striker Jonah Ayunga has followed former manager Stephen Robinson to St Mirren after his contract at League One Morecambe was cancelled by mutual consent.

Ayunga, left the Gas last summer during Joey Barton’s overhaul of the squad, signing for the Shrimps where he scored six times in 36 League One appearances. He becomes Robinson’s third signing since he swapped Morecambe for St Mirren in February.

The 25-year-old, played 35 games for Rovers in all competitions under Ben Garner, Paul Tisdale and Barton at the Mem, has signed a two-year contract with the Scottish Premiership club.

“We worked together at Morecambe last season so we know what he can bring to the team,” Robinson said. "He's big, physical and can run in behind. He's also just turned 25 as well so he is still quite young and has the potential to kick on."

Battle for Barkhuizen

Bolton Wanderers appear to have made the first move to sign out-of-contract Preston North End forward Tom Barkhuizen, with Derby County and Rotherham United also keen on the 28-year-old.

Bolton News report that the Trotters have “put their case forward” to Barkhuizen with Rotherham monitoring the situation and Derby unable to do any business until Chris Kirchner’s takeover of the club is completed.

Bolton boss Ian Evatt, a teammate of Barkhuizen’s at Blackpool, is keen to add another attacking option to his squad as they target a promotion run next season.

Barkhuizen’s contract at Preston is expiring next month after five years in the north west where he’s made 209 appearances.

Ipswich on the Ball

Ipswich Town are closing in on their second summer signing with QPR defensive midfielder Dom Ball set to join on a free transfer.

TWID claim the 26-year-old will follow Freddie Ladapo to Portman Road after the Rs confirmed the Northern Ireland and England youth international would be released earlier this month.

Ball, who started his career with Tottenham Hotspur, made 89 appearances for QPR over three seasons in the Championship.

Former Plymouth forward Ladapo joined the Tractor Boys earlier this week from League One champions Rotherham United.

Bostock open to offers

Former Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder John Bostock is available on a free transfer after turning down Doncaster Rovers’ offer of a new contract.

The 30-year-old, who made 43 appearances for relegated Donny last season, is not willing to drop into League Two and is seeking a club higher up the pyramid, report the Doncaster Free Press.

Doncaster Head of football operations James Coppinger said: “John turned his contract down but I can’t speak highly enough of him as both a person and a player.

“He feels he can play at a higher level and doesn’t want to step into League Two which we respect, and wish him all the best from the club’s perspective.”

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