Tranmere Rovers are on the cusp of adding former Everton striker James Vaughan to their ranks in a loan deal with Bradford City, as reported by the Telegraph and Argus.
Vaughan is currently the top scorer at Valley Parade with 11 goals and he only signed for the club in the summer on a three-year contract. However, Gary Bowyer is preparing a shake-up of his forward with both Vaughan and Doyle likely to be on the move.
When asked about a possible move, Bowyer said: “It’s always ongoing. Throughout the times I’ve operated in the window there have always been situations where the later it comes, a decision lands on your lap and you have to make the right one for the football club.
“As of today, there’s nothing yet. But I’m sure that as the window closes, there will be things thrown left, right and centre at us both for incomings and outgoings.”
The 31-year-old began his career with Everton, earning England honours up to Under 21 level and bagging nine goals in 60 appearances. He didn’t manage to live up to his early potential and saw loan spells with Derby, Leicester and Crystal Palace before joining Norwich City.
He bagged 31 goals in 86 Championship appearances for Bradford’s Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield, but his later career hasn’t been spectacular. A switch to Birmingham saw him leave goalless and he despite 24 goals for Bury, he struggled to impress at Sunderland, Wigan and again at Portsmouth last season.
He played 11 times for Pompey as failed to earn promotion without scoring a goal and signed for the Bantams as a free agent after leaving Wigan.
Our View
Desperate times call for desperate measures and frankly, signing James Vaughan is a desperate measure. Sure, he bagged goals in League Two, but he’s struggled in League One plenty of late.
He might bring some experience and knowledge to Tranmere’s front line, but he won’t bring electric movement and the number of short spells he’s had with different clubs should also be a worry.
It’s a shame Eoin Doyle can’t play for three clubs in a season as he’d be a much better bet, but he’s tied into either a deal with Swindon or staying with Bradford. It seems Tranmere are having to settle for the crumbs.
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