Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley poised to miss out on free agent

Bristol Rovers have agreed a deal to sign Taylor Moore ahead of Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley, according to a report by Football Insider.

Bristol Rovers are poised to sign the centre-back on a free transfer following his recent exit from Valenciennes. The defender has spent the past 12 months playing in Ligue 2 but is now set for a return to England.

Moore, 27, is a former England youth international and was on the books at West Ham’s academy as a youngtser. He then moved over to France for spells at Estaples and Lens.

In this latest update regarding his future by Football Insider, the Gas are working on a deal to lure him over to the Memorial Ground as they prepare for their first full season under the guidance of former Exeter City and Rotherham United boss Matt Taylor.

Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley have been mentioned as potential suitors but they may have to start looking elsewhere for reinforcements.

Bristol Rovers to beat Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley in transfer pursuit

Moore broke into Lens’ first-team as a teenager and played 10 times for them before Bristol City snapped him up in 2016.

He then spent seven years on the books at Ashton Gate and made 60 appearances for the Robins in all competitions before heading out the exit door last summer.

The Londoner was loaned out to Bury, Cheltenham Town, Southend United, Blackpool, Hearts and Shrewsbury Town to get some experience under his belt.

Bristol Rovers could see him as someone to bolster their defensive department and give them more competition and depth at the back.

They finished down in 15th place in League One in the last campaign and will be aiming for higher next term.

As for Bolton Wanderers, they will be looking to bounce back from losing in the play-off final at Wembley to Oxford United.

Ian Evatt’s side will be hoping they can gain promotion to the Championship next year and have the chance to bolster their ranks over the next couple of months.

Barnsley will also be looking to go up and have turned to former Bristol Rovers, Port Vale and Cheltenham Town manager Darrell Clarke as their new manager.

Both the Trotters and the Tykes have looked into a possible move for Moore on a free transfer as they hunt for new faces. However, it appears Bristol Rovers have beaten them both to the punch.