Portsmouth plotting Bristol Rovers transfer raid | OneFootball

Portsmouth are keen to sign attacking midfielder Antony Evans from Bristol Rovers in the summer transfer window.

That's according to a report from The News, who say that Pompey are already making preparations for their return to the Championship next season.

This has been an excellent campaign for Portsmouth, who ended a 12-year wait to return to the second-tier of English football as League One champions.

Having sealed that success, the club will need to strengthen their squad over the course of the summer, to ensure they can be competitive as they step up a level.

Now it seems as though one target has already identified, as the club prepare to get their business done in the market.

Antony Evans targeted by Portsmouth

As per this latest update, Pompey are now showing an interest in a move for Evans, and are following his situation at Bristol Rovers.

The 25-year-old moved to the Memorial Stadium back in the summer of 2021, signing from German side Paderborn.

Since then, he has scored 26 goals and provided 26 assists in 142 appearances in all competitions for the Gas, with this a particularly impressive campaign that saw him claim the club's Player of the Year award.

That has seemingly attracted Portsmouth, who are said to be keen to add some more attacking firepower to their side in the window.

As things stand, there is just a year remaining on Evans' contract with Bristol Rovers, meaning this could be their last chance to cash in on him.

However, manager Matt Taylor has confirmed that the club are in talks with the midfielder over a new contract.

For their part, Bristol Rovers finished 15th in the League One table this season, 19 points adrift of the play-off places, and 13 clear of the relegation zone.

They will therefore, once again be competing in the third-tier of English football next season.

Antony Evans an exciting target for Portsmouth

It does feel as though the signing of Evans could be a rather good one for Pompey to make if they can get it done.

With the likes of Tino Anjorin, Myles Peart-Harris and Abu Kamara all seeing their loan spells with the club come to an end, there is a need to add some more attacking impetus to this squad.

Evans certainly brings that, and his ability to play in a range of midfield roles means he can be an asset to this side in other areas as well.

After several years playing in League One and League Two, this could now be a good time for him to make the step-up to the Championship. Meanwhile, at 25-years-old, he also has plenty of time remaining in his career to become a valuable asset for Portsmouth both on and off the pitch.

His current contract situation could also make him an affordable target for Pompey. Although he may be offered a new deal by Bristol Rovers, the chance to show what he can do in the Championship with a move to somewhere such as Fratton Park may be something he finds hard to turn down.

That too could help to open the door for Portsmouth to try and get this deal, meaning it does look to be a transfer that could be well worth pursuing for the League One champions.