Joey Barton hopes Sion Spence's ability to score and create goals in development football translate into a successful season at Bristol Rovers.
The 20-year-old has signed a season-long loan from Crystal Palace, Rovers confirmed on Friday morning.
He becomes Barton's eighth signing of the summer, and the Wales under-21 international will compete for a place in Rovers' attack, alongside the likes of Sam Nicholson and Aaron Collins.
News of the deal was first reported by Bristol Live.
"We are delighted that Sion has joined us for the 2021/22 campaign," Barton told the club's website.
"Sion is highly rated at Crystal Palace where he has played as an attacking midfielder, scoring and creating goals.
"We are hopeful he can come here, make the transition into senior football and have a positive season with us”
Spence came through the ranks at Cardiff City as a teenager, where he became a star of their development squad from the age of 16.
He won the academy player of the year award in 2017/18 and scored 11 goals in 15 games for the development squad the following season.
Spence was a surprise casualty in Cardiff's released list last season, but he was swiftly picked up by the Eagles and the Penarth-born attacking midfielder has been a regular feature in their under-23s side.
He scored seven goals and added four assists in 15 Premier League 2 games last term.
