Rovers eager to extend loan spell of Anderson
BRISTOL Rovers have 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 in 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 are given the green light.
The teenager has a clutch of Championship clubs queuing up to sign him in the summer window and there is a chance United boss 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 have 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 hold him in good stead for the future.
The package Rovers are putting together would be one Academy boss Steve Harper would consider carefully.
Too often United have watched talented youngsters head to clubs and end up sidelined - Matty Bondswell at Shrewsbury the latest example.
Barton’s rapport levels with Harper are good but the player will sit down and look at his options during his forthcoming holiday.