What to expect from Doncaster Rovers on transfer deadline day

The January transfer window has ignited in its final days for Doncaster Rovers and it shows no signs of abating as the deadline approaches.
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Much of the month has been a test of patience for Rovers supporters and staff alike as the wait for new additions rumbled on.

But patience was a virtue in the end and Darren Moore has added Devante Cole and Fejiri Okenabirhie in the last few days.

And Moore is not quite done yet.

The Keepmoat Stadium, home of Doncaster RoverThe Keepmoat Stadium, home of Doncaster Rover
The Keepmoat Stadium, home of Doncaster Rover
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The Rovers boss himself has confirmed a desire to add at least one more body to his squad as he looks to set them up for both the second half of the season and the future.

While he has spoken of his intention to examine any available option in any position in the search for improvement, Moore is understood to have a specific wish for deadline day.

An attack-minded midfielder is thought to be the top of his shopping list - though other additions should not be ruled out.

One to keep an eye on is young Aston Villa attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

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The 18-year-old was first linked with Rovers a couple of weeks ago and has been heavily tipped for a loan move to the Keepmoat in the last few days.

Moore would not confirm interest yesterday but is known to be a fan of the highly-rated youngster and is likely to push to get a deal done on Friday.

In terms of outgoings, there is nothing that Rovers are keen to get done with the squad tight and trimmed down as far as it will go.

But there may be a couple to watch in the final few hours of the month.

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Skipper Ben Whiteman has been garnering more and more attention and admirers with each passing month and it is understood that his representatives have been made aware of more than a dozen clubs keen on his signature.

But Rovers are yet to receive any firm interest from other clubs and will hope it stays that way.

Having made their intentions for Whiteman clear by handing him a new contract before Christmas, Rovers are ready to stand firm on the 23-year-old should their resolve be tested.

There is no pressing need to sell players and it would take a considerable offer for the club’s hierarchy to budge.

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One club that may be ready to test nerve on Whiteman however is Hull City - managed by former Rovers boss Grant McCann - who made a substantial seven-figure offer last summer that was rejected out of hand.

Hull may receive a major cash injection on Friday with Crystal Palace having made a £16m offer for Jarrod Bowen.

While Whiteman would not be a direct replacement for Bowen, McCann may be tempted to use fresh funds to finance a renewed bid for the midfielder who looks more than ready for a step up to the Championship.

McCann is also understood to have been considering a move for Kieran Sadlier - who he signed while Rovers boss.

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Sadlier is out of contract in the summer and has yet to sign a new deal which was initially offered several month ago.

The 26-year-old could fill the hole left by Bowen and the Rovers hierarchy would be given food for thought should a bid be placed, with the possibility of losing the club’s top scorer for free in the summer.

On the outgoings front, Rovers will certainly be hoping for a quiet day.

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