Bristol Rovers are considering a move for Northampton Town striker Harry Smith, Bristol Live understands, but he is not the only option for the Gas.
The giant forward has three goals in 16 appearances for the Cobblers in League One this season and is tipped to leave Sixfields on a permanent deal.
Rovers are among clubs to show an interest, alongside Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. Cheltenham Town also made enquires to Northampton, according to Jon Palmer of Gloucestershire Live, but believe their pursuit for the 25-year-old’s signature will be unsuccessful.
The Gas have been assessing other targets former after making an approach for former Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet, who is available on a free transfer after a spell in Turkey was cut short.
Rovers tabled a contract offer to the French-born Ivorian at the start of January, but Gnanduillet has interest from several clubs, including some in the Championship, and is taking his time to choose his next move, prompting Rovers to look elsewhere. However, Bristol Live understands Rovers proposals to Gnanduillet have not been withdrawn.
Standing at 6ft 5in tall, Smith fits the profile of striker Tisdale is looking for. The Gas have been short of striking options with James Daly and Jonah Ayunga missing months of action at different points so far this season, and the manager wants a target man who can be the focal point of his attack.
A deal for the former Milwall and Swindon Town forward is not yet agreed, however. The Gas, hoveringly dangerously above the relegation zone, must get this transfer window right. They remain open to other options.
Tisdale has confirmed a new striker is needed this month, particularly with goalscoring winger Sam Nicholson out injured.
"It (a striker) is a priority to me under normal circumstances, even with a normal squad I’d be saying the front line is so important, it’s the engine of your train," Tisdale said last week.
"If your frontline doesn’t function, you can’t play to it no matter how good your play is in other areas.
"It’s very clearly a priority to me and I need to get business done well and if I don’t we will have to make compromises or alter the way we play."
The striker atop many Gasheads’ wishlists is Preston North End’s Jayden Stockley.
The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Deepdale and played for Rovers boss Tisdale at Exeter City.
Speculation on social media has been rife over the weekend, but Bristol Live understands a move for Stockley will be challenging for any League One club to pull off.
The player’s salary is well beyond the spending power of third-tier clubs due to the salary cap restrictions, unless Preston agree to pay a significant portion of the players’ wages – something they are believed to be unwilling to do at this stage.
