Tranmere Rovers manager Micky Mellon believes Harvey Saunders' move from Bristol Rovers will unlock the forward's potential.
The 25-year-old has signed an 18-month contract on Merseyside, leaving the Gas after 43 appearances across a year-and-a-half stay at the Mem.
Gas boss Joey Barton had admitted he wanted to keep Saunders in an impact substitute capacity, but the former Fleetwood Town forward, understandably, wants more starting opportunities, which Mellon says he will get with Tranmere.
Mellon revealed Tranmere have been chasing Saunders' services for a sustained period, coming up short with an offer in the summer before agreeing an undisclosed fee this week.
“We have said our approach to recruitment this year is to attract young players with potential for development, who can become assets for the club," Mellon told Tranmere's club website. "Harvey was a slightly late starter having not come through the traditional academy route, but has a goal ratio of a goal every 202 minutes on the pitch for Bristol Rovers, which is very respectable.
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"Players can sometimes get a bit lost in a club if they are not regular starters, a bit like Josh Dacres-Cogley found at Birmingham City. We believe he will develop from having more game time at Tranmere, as Josh has done.
“We had tried to secure Harvey from Bristol Rovers in the summer but they were unable to release him then, so I am delighted to have got this across the line now.
“This season we have been strong in many areas, including in creating chances, but we have been lacking in the final third and we believe that Harvey can help us address that.”
Saunders is the fifth player to leave the Gas in the January transfer window, following Trevor Clarke, Alfie Kilgour, Bobby Thomas and Zain Westbrooke out of the exit door.
Grant Ward became Rovers' third signing of the month on Friday, joining on a permanent deal after loan moves for goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe and centre-back Jarell Quansah.
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