Mark McGhee could still look to sign Aaron Downes for Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers boss Mark McGhee has still not ruled out a late move to bring defender Aaron Downes back to the Memorial Stadium.
The Australian, who is now a free agent after being released by Chesterfield at the end of the campaign is still available, but has yet to receive an offer to return to the club where he was on loan throughout the second-half of last season.
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Bristol Rovers' Aaron Downes is challenged by Aston Villa's Gary Gardner
McGhee has confirmed, however, that Downes is still in his thoughts – but would only return should he be unable to bring Leicester City youngsters Cian Bolger and Tom Parkes back to the club on longer-term loan deals.
The manager also said the situation is complicated further by the fact that Leicester could be keen to have a look at both Bolger and Parkes for the first few weeks of pre-season before making a decision on the young duo's immediate future.
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"That would be frustrating for us," McGhee said. "I'd like to persuade Leicester to let them come and do the pre-season with us, so there is some work to be done regarding that.
"Aaron is still one we would seriously consider, but it is something I'll have to ride out a little bit. It's a situation where we'll wait and see where Aaron is at in terms of his availability closer to the time when we are able to make those sorts of decisions.
"Aaron is a first-class professional but I can't afford to have too many players in one position on the books. We've got Adam Virgo coming back (from long-term injury). I've been keeping an eye on him and can say that he is progressing well and we also have others who can fill in there if required."
McGhee has yet to make his first signing of the summer, but has confirmed that he is working on a deal to bring Stoke City midfielder Matthew Lund back to the Memorial Stadium for a second loan spell.
He may also consider making a third bid for striker James Constable after two initial offers were rebuffed by Oxford United almost a fortnight ago.
"He's got a proven track record at this level in terms of contributing goals," McGhee said. "I'd like to start the season with a team that has the capability of scoring an average of 60 or 65 goals and he'd (Constable) help us towards that."
Cheltenham Town midfielder Luke Summerfield is weighing up a move to League One newboys Shrewsbury Town.
It is understood the out-of-contract 24-year-old has held talks with Shrews boss Graham Turner, who guided the club to a first promotion in 15 years last season.
He is set to turn down the offer of an extended deal with Cheltenham to switch to the higher level after one season at the Abbey Business Stadium.
Summerfield spent time on trial at Shrewsbury last summer after leaving home-town club Plymouth Argyle.
He featured in a friendly victory over a Manchester United XI, but was not offered terms at the Greenhous Meadow and arrived at Cheltenham, where he impressed immediately and earned a one-year deal.
Summerfield's performances in the centre of the pitch earned him the players' player of the year award last term.
He made 47 starts and four substitute appearances, scoring six goals, including spectacular efforts in wins at Bristol Rovers and Dagenham. His father Kevin finished his playing career at Shrewsbury.
Comments
by larryjay
Monday, June 18 2012, 9:49PM
“trust mm he will get the team sorted and were going to have a good season up the gas !”
by THEPROPERLOTT
Monday, June 18 2012, 9:33PM
“i wouldnt say virgos better than downes and if theirs a chance that the two leicester boys might be retained by leicester for the pre season then there obviously seeing if there good enough for leicesters first team and if they impress then were probably going to end up with virgo and downes as our two centre backs”
by bluecamel
Monday, June 18 2012, 5:09PM
“What is the situation with Virgo ?”
by TurkeyGas
Monday, June 18 2012, 2:50PM
“Just noticed the league positions and we are in the play offs.”
by chinesegas
Monday, June 18 2012, 2:28PM
“frank i have to agree with you about downes , last season before he got injured he was the be all for Mcghee even went on scouting trips for him , so yes this is a bit strange ,as for the moaning i think if your not doing that your not happy , although i just read somebody saying why do we bother with you , my answer is i dont agree with you most of the time but there is always some modicum of common sence in all of your comments , so keep them coming , along with all the other guys .life would be more boreing without it ,”
by Oldfrank
Monday, June 18 2012, 2:08PM
“We won't all be happy chinesegas, I'll still be Maoning :)
But seriously I'm surprised Mark McGhee keeps publicising this Aaron Downes matter. What is the point of it ? It can't make Downes feel very good when he keeps getting it rubbed in his face that at Rovers he's fifth choice behind Bolger, Parkes, Virgo and Woodards. If he does eventually come his confidence won't be sky high will it.
There must be more positive things for Mark McGhee to say, mustn't there.............. ?”
by chinesegas
Monday, June 18 2012, 8:52AM
“well done MM , a srtucture and a plan , get the loanes back least disruptive , also leaves more money to bring in the ,extra forward and midfield signings , that are required ,at least we are starting with a sound base from which to work , if we can do what swindon done last year by improving steadily as the season went on then we will all be happy ,”