Pompey linked with swoop for Rovers’ Evans

PORTSMOUTH are interested in signing Antony Evans from Bristol Rovers, according to reports on the south coast, writes Daniel Hargraves.

John Mousinho’s side will be playing Championship football for the first time in 12 years next season after an excellent campaign in the third tier, and it appears as though they are keen to make the Rovers Player of the Season one of their first signings back in the second tier.

The expectation was always that there would be interest in Evans, pictured, over the course of this summer on the back of an outstanding campaign for the Pirates, which saw the playmaker score ten goals and assist nine in 52 appearances.

Boss Matt Taylor confirmed earlier this week that offers have been made to his star player given that he will soon enter the final 12 months of his contract at Rovers, but nothing has been signed.

One of Evans’ goals came against Pompey in the 2-1 Boxing Day win over the League One winners, a precise free-kick demonstrating the midfielder’s quality from set-pieces.

Taylor will be well aware that if it becomes evident that Evans will not be putting pen to paper on a new deal in BS7, a decision will have to be made as to whether they take a fee now or keep the 25-year-old at the Mem for another season before allowing him to depart for nothing.

A valuation of the midfielder is currently unknown and Portsmouth are seemingly yet to make a bid, but the former Everton youth player has proven himself to be one of the best in his position in the third tier.

Former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano has been appointed as the new manager of Blyth Spartans.

The Peruvian replaces Jon Shaw, who was sacked following the Northumberland club’s relegation from the National League North.

Since finishing his playing career in 2012, Solano has managed three teams in his native Peru as well as clubs in Canada and Sweden.

Former Cheltenham defender Ben Tozer is among the players who have been released by Wrexham after their promotion to League One.

The Welsh club have also released their longest-serving player, Luke Young, after securing back-to-back promotions.

Goalkeeper Mark Howard and striker Steven Fletcher have been offered new deals.