How the land lies for Doncaster Rovers on transfer deadline day

The Free Press understands no deals, either in or out, were in the pipeline as of yesterday evening.

But business either way should not be ruled out entirely.

The signing of Scott Robertson at the weekend added the depth to the midfield ranks that boss Darren Moore had been looking for.

And it was a deal that was not part of a ‘one player out to get one player in’ approach. The Rovers board moved to sanction and finance the deal once it became a possibility, with Moore having previously shown interest in the Celtic midfielder.

Should a similar opportunity arise at the 11th hour - as occurred with Jason Lokilo a year ago - then Moore will consider his options.

Moore himself suggested his business had been completed when speaking to the media after the win over Lincoln City.

“I’d say so,” he said.

“I don’t see anything else happening really.

“It’s just about keeping the group fit and I’ve got a full week to work with them now.”

A player had been identified to potentially depart the club on loan this month in order to gain more match minutes as well as allowing for the possibility of an arrival.

If a suitor for that player was to arise on Monday, the departure could still be authorised, even if a replacement is not secured.

What does appear unlikely is Rovers making another loan signing, with Robertson becoming the seventh loanee on the club’s books upon his signing.

Moore himself has spoken of a reluctance to have more than seven loanees in his squad, due to the quandary it creates with the number of loan signings limited to five in each matchday squad.

With Tyreece John-Jules set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Josh Sims a couple of weeks away from a return, the number of loanees is not currently an issue but will give Moore plenty to think about in the later stages of the campaign.

All eyes inevitably will be on speculation over Joe Wright’s future following his name being linked with Preston North End before the weekend.

Rovers had received no contact from the Lancashire club regarding Wright’s availability on Friday night and the defender played the full 90 minutes of Saturday’s win over Lincoln.

Preston however are expected to sell defender Ben Davies to Liverpool today, which could spark their hunt for a replacement.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.