Joey Barton is close to clinching a deal for Luke McCormick – his top target this summer – to return to Bristol Rovers.
Bristol Live understands there has been a breakthrough in negotiations for the AFC Wimbledon midfielder, who has been atop Barton's wishlist as the transfer deadline nears and they are now favourites to secure his signature.
The 23-year-old played for the Gas on loan from Chelsea under Barton in 2020/21, standing out with six goals in a team that would finish bottom of League One.