Bristol Rovers are considering a loan move for towering Crystal Palace defender Jake O’Brien as Connor Taylor’s future looks increasingly with Stoke City.
As first reported by Alan Nixon, O’Brien is being considered as an option by Joey Barton as he looks to reinforce his defence following the exit of Taylor at the end of last season.
Bristol Live understands that O’Brien is on the Gas’ radar and a deal could be concluded this week although other options in that position are also being explored. Southampton’s Will Tizzard is not thought to be on their shortlist.
Taylor played 90 minutes for Stoke in their 2-0 Championship defeat to Millwall after being heavily involved for the Potters throughout pre-season and Michael O’Neill impressed at how seamlessly he’s fitted into the first-team environment.
Stoke have added Aden Flint over the summer but with Harry Souttar not expected back for another 8-10 weeks, longer than was anticipated at the start of the summer, Taylor could well be retained for the first half of the campaign, if not beyond, should he continue to earn match minutes.
O’Brien was signed by Palace from Cork City last year and has been a consistent member of the Under-23 set-up, rated as one of the best defensive prospects in the club’s academy. He’s also represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town, making 21 appearances as they reached the League Two play-off semi-finals and the centre-back was branded a “giant of men on and off the pitch” by the club once his spell ended.
Standing at just under 6ft 5ins, the Taylor comparisons are obvious with Rovers exhibiting early defensive concerns in their 2-1 defeat to Forest Green Rovers at the Mem on Saturday.
Barton fielded right-back Luca Hoole alongside James Connolly in the heart of defence and the visitors created a number of chances that could have punished the Gas further, although that shouldn't be necessarily pinned on the defensive duo.
It was Hoole's first appearance as a centre-back in a league fixture, and also the first time the two had played alongside each other in the centre of the Gas defence in a competitive setting. The young pairing were also not helped by the lack of protection from midfield with no Paul Coutts or Sam Finley to shield them.
At present, Barton’s only other centre-back alternative is Alfie Kilgour who has been plagued by injury issues throughout his time as manager and hasn’t made a league appearance since January 15.
Barton has been up front that he wants "six to seven" new recruits before the window closes on September 1, and the loan market is likely to be fully explored having been so beneficial to their promotion drive last season.
The experiences of Taylor and Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson have also put Rovers in a strong position ahead of other clubs to land some of the talent in the Premier League and Championship, due to the considerably improvements both made during their time in north Bristol.
Rovers have already worked with Palace following Sion Spence's stint at the Mem last season, with loans manager Mark Bright having a good relationship with Gas transfer consultant Eddy Jennings.
SIGN UP: To receive our free Rovers newsletter, bringing you the latest from the Mem
READ NEXT:
