Bristol Rovers playmaker Antony Evans has attracted the interest of League One champions Portsmouth ahead of the summer transfer window, as confirmed by journalist Jordan Cross via The News.
The 25-year-old has taken League One by storm during the 2023/24 campaign and has alerted the interest of Portsmouth ahead of their return to the second tier following a 12-year absence.
How has he faired this season?
Evans has played a starring role for Bristol Rovers this season, making 52 appearances in all competitions, and contributing to 19 goals (10 goals and nine assists) for Matt Taylor’s side.
The former Everton academy graduate also managed 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes, 78% passing success rate, 4.2 ball recoveries and 60% dribbling success rate, making him one of League One’s standout attacking midfielders over the course of the 2023/24 campaign.
What does this interest mean for Bristol Rovers?
Following their failure to secure a play-off place in League One, the level of interest in Evans is likely to intensify over the coming weeks which ultimately could place Bristol Rovers in a position where they may be forced into allowing Evans to depart.
Alternatively, Evans is still under contract at the League One side and is arguably one of their biggest assets. This means that if a sale was to occur, Bristol Rovers could find themselves in a strong financial position during the summer window which would allow them to strengthen in alternate positions.
Would a move to Portsmouth benefit Evans?
Portsmouth have a strong midfield presence following a busy January window which saw the likes of Owen Moxon join the League One champions, meaning Evans would be competing for his place in the starting eleven.
However, with Tino Anjorin returning to Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell, Evans would fit into an open gap at Fratton Park, facing exposure to regular first-team minutes and competing at a higher level.