Bolton Wanderers have had a bid rejected by Bristol Rovers for forward Aaron Collins, as reported by Bristol Live.
Collins has been an integral part of the Rovers side over the past couple of seasons and has continued to display his promise this year.
Having helped the Gas get promoted to League One on the final day of the 2021/22 season, Collins has if anything progressed even further in his season and a half in the third tier.
His performances were nothing short of phenomenal in a blue and white shirt last season, racking up 16 goals and 12 assists and scooping up a whole load of personal accolades in the process.
Although his numbers may have dipped slightly this season, that can be attributed to both a change in management as well as playing in a slightly weaker team. That being said, the Welshman still has a very impressive 12 goal contributions in League One to his name this season.
Collins was absent from Bristol Rovers’ squad in their 3-1 win over Oxford United on Saturday, with rumours of a move intensifying.
Bolton Wanderers are the side rumoured to be leading the race for Collins’ signature and have already had one bit rejected by the Gas for their star man. The bid is believed to have been around the £600,00 mark according to Bristol Live, yet with a Transfermarkt valuation of €1.5 million (€1.25 million), that bid still seems to be some way off.
It would be a huge swoop for Bolton if they were to get their hands on Collins and it could greatly strengthen their promotion chances. Currently sat in second, just two points off of the top with two games in hand, Collins could be the difference-maker.
The transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Thursday night, so Ian Evatt does need to act fairly quickly if he wants to further strengthen his side this January.
Losing Collins would be a substantial blow for Bristol Rovers, but given they are destined for mid-table obscurity this season, perhaps the money will let them build for the future with next season in mind.
Writer’s View
This would be one of the signings of the January transfer window if Bolton are able to pull this off, and it seems as if Collins wants a move. Gaining his services could be the difference between a place in the automatics and the play-offs so it is a deal that Bolton should be making.
Bristol Rovers will now be focusing on the future with the play-offs looking out of reach, and the added finances from the sale would help do just that.
Senior Editor
