Doncaster Rovers: Liam Mandeville can leave to free up funds for other areas of the team

The 21-year-old forward has dropped down the pecking order at Rovers following a fall-out with boss Darren Ferguson.

And the Scot feels he can sacrifice Mandeville as he looks to add more pace and physicality to his attacking armoury and also bolster his midfield and full back options.

Transfer-listed Mandeville, a self-confessed “laid-back character”, riled Ferguson last October when it is understood he laughed off being dropped at Bury.

He returned to the side following a very public dressing down and scored three goals in four games.

But he made just one more league start for Rovers before ending the season on loan at Colchester United where he failed to score and made only one start.

Mandeville’s impressive record of 15 goals in just 27 starts at Doncaster, his impact two seasons ago and his unquestionable ability on the ball are likely to alert several EFL clubs.

Ferguson feels he is well covered in Mandeville’s position, with James Coppinger, Alfie Beestin and Issam Ben Khemis all capable of playing at the tip of the midfield diamond or off a main striker.

“The decision there is try and free up something else in the squad,” explained assistant boss Gavin Strachan.

“We might have to try and move a couple of bodies on to try and strengthen in other areas.

“That was the reason for that.

“But he’s a contracted player so there’s nothing that says he will definitely be leaving.”

Mitchell Lund and Tyler Garratt have also been transfer-listed.