Bristol Rovers manager Graham Coughlan confirmed he is continuing to chase the signing of former loan striker Alex Jakubiak despite having signed forward Tyler Smith on loan from Sheffield United last week.
Watford striker Jakubiak spent the 2018/19 season at the Memorial Stadium, scoring five goals in 44 games in all competitions having starred in the club’s run to the semi-finals of the EFL Trophy.
Following the Gas’ 1-1 draw with Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday in their third game of pre-season, manager Coughlan was asked whether the 22-year-old striker continued to be a target having added to his attacking options this week.
On Saturday, Coughlan started with Tom Nichols, who scored and Smith up front before bringing Gavin Reilly and Deon Moore off the bench in the 70th minute when he made nine chances.
The club’s star striker Jonson Clarke-Harris, who scored 11 goals after joining Rovers in January, is currently sidelined with an injury.
Coughlan said: “I will still pursue Alex [Jakubiak]. Alex was a quality player for us, Alex is a young player.
“I would love to get these players permanently, I would love them to be our players.
“I am not a lover of coaching and developing other team’s players but it is a necessity sometimes.
“I thought Tyler Smith looked a little bit leggy, like he had had a tough week. Maybe it hit him this week.
“His sharpness and energy is something we need and that is why we brought him to the football club.
“The pursuit of other players, including Alex Jakubiak will continue. If we are successful then great, if we don’t then we have got enough players to work with.”
