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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bodin contract decision, Portsmouth and Ipswich chase Hylton – League One transfers and rumours

Just a few weeks remain until League One clubs return for pre-season training and Bristol Rovers and their rivals are plotting how they will shape their squads ahead of the new campaign.

The list of deals done so far points to the slow start to the summer with managers and players on their holidays, but the market is gradually kicking into gear with contract decisions being finalised and clubs zeroing in on their targets.

Here is a round-up of the latest transfer news from around League One...

Bodin decides his future

On paper, a return to Rovers for Billy Bodin would have brought joy for Gasheads, but the winger has committed his future to Oxford United.

The 30-year-old, a star of Rovers' promotion to League One in 2016, was due to become a free agent at the end of the month but he has agreed a new two-year deal at the Kassam Stadium.

"We pushed really hard for promotion and just fell short at the end last season, so I want to play my part in doing better this time around," he told the club's website.

“We have such a good group here and we it’s a pleasure to be part of a side that is committed to playing good football. I have enjoyed every moment since I first signed and can’t wait to get back for pre-season and be part of the group again.”

Us boss Karl Robinson added: "The fans could see really quickly what a talented player Billy is. Off the field he slotted straight in and is a fantastic pro who bought into the culture of the club very quickly.

"It’s not just his goals, it’s the way he creates things for others around him too. He had other options but I am delighted that he sees his future here and wants to be part of where we aim to take this club over the next couple of years.”

Hylton in demand

Veteran striker Danny Hylton has appeared on Rovers' radar a few times in recent seasons and he is on the look out for a new club next season with his Luton Town contract coming to an end.

Football Insider reports the 33-year-old has interest from League One sides Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic.

The striker's influence on a fine season for the Hatters was limited, scoring four times in seven appearances and a desire to play more regularly could lead him to the exit door. Luton and Hylton have been in talks over a new deal but fresh terms have not yet been agreed.

Sheffield Wednesday want rivals' former defender

AFC Wimbledon were relegated to League Two last season but their centre-back Ben Heneghan is likely to remain in the third tier.

Examiner Live reports Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing the 28-year-old, who was once on the books at rivals Sheffield United – although he never played a game for the Blades.

Dons manager Johnnie Jackson has confirmed Heneghan has chosen to depart Plough Lane at the end of his contract because the defender has options above League Two level.

Heneghan has amassed a vast amount of experience with Motherwell, Blackpool and Wimbledon, where played 41 times in League One last season and captained the team multiple times.

Brown lures Shrewsbury star to Fleetwood

Shrewsbury Town have lost Josh Vela to League One rivals, despite agreeing to a new contract in principle with the influential midfielder.

He becomes Scott Brown's second signing of the summer at Highbury Stadium after signing Shaun Rooney from St Johnstone, but Salop have been left stung by the departure. The club claims Vela had agreed to renew his contract at New Meadow, but the paper was never inked and he has moved to the Cod Army.

“The gaffer was a big draw because of the position and how he played during his career, he’s a legend in Scottish football,” former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Vela told Fleetwood's website.

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