Bristol Rovers are closing in on their first signing of the summer in the form of Chelsea product Josh Grant, Bristol Live understands.
The Gas are in advanced negotiations with the versatile 21-year-old, who was an influential part of Plymouth Argyle's League Two promotion winning campaign last season.
Grant, who is comfortable playing in central midfield or across the back line, is set to join Rovers on a free transfer when he is released by the Blues on June 30.
With Liam Sercombe released by Rovers last week, Gas boss Ben Garner needed to bolster his midfield and Grant seems a perfect fit with the club's recruitment strategy.
London-born Grant's time at Chelsea began at the age of seven, and he has played for England's under-18 and under-20 sides.
That technical grounding in the game will be a huge boost for Garner, who hopes to transform the Gas into a possession based team, and Grant appears to be a player with plenty of potential for improvement.
Having moved to Home Park on loan from Stamford Bridge last summer as a defender, a move into holding midfield saw him flourish.
He made 30 appearances for the Pilgrims in all competitions across two loan spells this season, the second of which was with a view to a permanent transfer.
Argyle boss Ryan Lowe was keen to sign Grant on a permanent deal when the loan expired, but Plymouth Live revealed the midfielder had rejected a contract offer earlier this month with another club interested.
And Rovers are close to winning the battle for his signature, with a deal on the verge of being finalised.
Chelsea may be entitled to compensation as part of the deal, but Grant should prove to be a low-cost and shrewd addition to Ben Garner's squad.
He has showcased his ability in an upwardly-mobile Argyle side renowned for their attractive football, and the step up to League One represents a natural progression in his career.
It is likely to be the start of a busy summer for Rovers, as Garner looks to shape the squad to his liking, and the next Rovers starting line-up to take the field is sure to be much changed from the Gas’ last game back in March.
