Joey Barton believes Bristol Rovers can make a strong case, but he admits it would be a "miracle" if Elliot Anderson returned to the Gas on loan in the January transfer window.
Rovers signed the Newcastle United talent on January deadline day last season and it proved to be an inspired move, with the dynamic attacking midfielder powering an incredible surge in form that led the Gas to promotion.
For many Gasheads, Anderson ranks among the most talented players to ever don the blue and white quarters and his place in the club's history is cemented with the all-important goal against Scunthorpe United on the final day to make it 7-0, snatching promotion from Northampton Town by the virtue of goals scored.
The 20-year-old mustered seven goals and six assists in 20 starts for Barton's Gas and his outstanding performances in BS7 earned him a chance to stake a claim for a place in Eddie Howe's first team. Strong performances in pre-season helped his cause and he has made eight Premier League appearances this term.
But with the window open, several clubs are circling to try to take him on loan for the remainder of the season. The Chronicle reports Championship sides Birmingham City, Preston North End, Reading and Luton Town are among those to have declared an interest.
Barton says Rovers will throw their hat in the ring, too, and he believes they can offer things other clubs cannot, although he is not certain Anderson will be allowed to leave on loan with more first-team opportunities for the Magpies possibly coming his way.
The Gas boss is realistic about their chances, but he has not given up all hope about a potential reunion with the Geordie lad he nicknamed "Billy" due to his dancing feet.
"We’re in constant dialogue with a lot of people in the North East," Barton said. "For us, he’s on the bench for Newcastle at the moment and he looks like he’s very close to their first team. He looks like he’s one injury away from getting a little run.
"They are in a couple of cup competitions and you would expect him to get some minutes. I want to see El in the black and white stripes and showing what he did at the Mem last year at St James’ Park and in the Premier League because you want to see the lads do as well as they can.
"In the midst of that, if we could get him back on loan, then we would be silly not to do that but I imagine there would be people further up the food chain who are aware of him.
"The beauty of it for us might be the patience that could be in there because I imagine Championship clubs going for a loan will want to do it relatively handily in the window.
"Who knows? It would be a miracle, it would be unbelievable, but it isn’t impossible.
"I think we could make a great case to say ‘Look what player we gave you back after the loan’. The Gasheads love him and it’s the next step up for him.
"I think there are lots of ticks that we could maybe make a case for, but ultimately that will come down to Elliot, Eddie Howe and the powers that be at Newcastle to see us as the right place to put him as opposed to maybe somebody fighting for their lives in the Championship."
Although Newcastle may see a stint in the second tier as an appropriate proving ground for Anderson to build towards more regular Premier League football, the Gas can offer things others may not.
The relationship he already has with Barton and the core of Rovers' squad would allow for a seamless transition back to life in BS7, and the Gas can offer a step up in standard from last season thanks to their promotion to League One.
Newcastle are grateful for the job the Gas and Barton did with their prized homegrown talent last season and it is not out of the realms of possibility they decide it is wise to entrust them again.
Anderson would be a guaranteed starter and a focal point of Barton's gameplan, too, possibly giving the player more chances to develop than at a team with promotion or relegation considerations in the Championship, where there could be greater competition for places with established players at the level – although he undoubtedly has the talent to cut it at that standard of football.
Ultimately, it is Newcastle's call and a Championship move seems a firm favourite, but Rovers have to be a consideration for the Magpies.
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