Rovers in the race to sign former Blackpool star
BRISTOL Rovers are among several clubs chasing the signature of former Blackpool and Chesterfield striker Armand Gnanduillet.
The 28-year-old is looking for a club after a spell with Turkish second division side Altay SK was cut short after just 15 games, and the Frenchman is available on a free transfer.
The Bristol Post understands the Gas have held initial talks over a move for the target-man, who scored 18 goals in 36 appearances for the Tangerines last season - including a header against the Pirates on the opening day of the season. He rejected a new contract at Bloomfield Road in the summer in pursuit of a move to the Championship. It did not materialise and a move to Turkey’s west coast followed, but he is expected to move back to England this month.
Reports have also linked Gnanduillet with Championship sides Derby County, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham, plus Rovers’ League One rivals Sunderland and Charlton Athletic.
It is understood Rovers remain a credible destination for the player, but the Gas are competing with the allure of Championship football which has complicated matters.
However, unlike the clubs in the second tier, Rovers and their boss Paul Tisdale would almost certainly offer Gnanduillet a key role in the team and a regular starting place.
Championship clubs may instead view the 6ft 4ins striker as an impact option from the bench as they scramble for points in the second half of the season.
Rovers would be able to accommodate the Ivory Coast youth international as the focal point of their attack, allowing top scorer Brandon Hanlan to thrive off him in the channels, where he is adept at isolating defenders and punishing them with strength and speed.
It would also allow Sam Nicholson to revert to more familiar roles as a winger or a No 10, where he would present both a creative and scoring threat.
As reported by the Bristol Post last month, signing a striker is a priority for the club in this window, with Hanlan and Jonah Ayunga the only fit options at present. James Daly is recovering from an ankle injury.
In an exclusive interview with the Bristol Post at the weekend, owner Wael Al-Qadi said he expects the club to target that position before the month ends.
Rovers will be looking to cause an upset in the FA Cup third round tomorrow when they host Sheffield United, the Premier League’s bottom side, at the Memorial Stadium.
Coming off the back of a con
gested festive fixture period, a lot of Premier League sides use squad players or youngsters in the early stages of the FA Cup.
However, manager Chirs Wilder could be tempted to name a stronger line-up than he might have done normally, knowing a
win would ease the pressure a little on his own position and boost confidence in his team.
Ian Holloway column - Page 53.