Bristol Rovers are just saying goodbye to one defensive stalwart called Tom, but could be ready to welcome another with Coventry's Tom Davies emerging as a target for the Gas.
Signing a replacement for departing captain Tom Lockyer is a priority of Graham Coughlan's this summer as Rovers are losing the 24-year-old centre-back, who has been a mainstay for the side for five seasons, on a free transfer.
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Like the man he could succeed, Davies is also out of contract at the Ricoh Arena having fallen out of favour under Mark Robins despite his status as a fans favourite and HITC report that Rovers have made him a "top target".
Davies is a classic League One-style centre-back, excellent in the air despite his relatively small height of 5ft9, strong and committed in the tackle - exact attributes Coughlan is looking for from his defenders .
But, crucially, the 27-year-old is also a strong dressing room presence and an infectious character who could energise the spirit at the Mem.
Coughlan claimed in the final week of the season that he has "nose for a League One player" and Davies certainly fits that mould.
He joined Coventry from Portsmouth in 2017 and has made 50 appearances over the two seasons but found himself third-choice this term behind Jordan Willis and Dominic Hyam, while the Sky Blues this week agreed a deal to add Kyle McFadzean from Burton Albion.
On hearing of his release, Davies, who is currently on holiday, was asked by our sister site Coventry Live as to where he saw his future and he responded: "There are a couple of things but location is a big one for me because I like being up north near my family and stuff like that.
"But I understand it’s a short career and you have to make the move that’s best for you."
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Coughlan admitted this period of the off-season, with play-off matches still under way and players on holiday, is something of a waiting game but the 44-year-old is still keen to get early deals done.
The club are already in talks with goalkeeper Jack Bonham and Watford winger Alex Jakubiak over a return to north Bristol after their successful loan spells last season.
