AFC Wimbledon midfielder set for Bristol Rovers switch

AFC Wimbledon midfielder Luke McCormick is set to join Bristol Rovers.

The 23-year-old former Chelsea youngster has not featured for the Dons since their relegation to League Two.

And the South London Press understands that the Gas have stepped up their pursuit of McCormick, who is a firm fans’ favourite after a successful season-long loan stay in the 2020-21 League One season. He scored six goals in 42 matches for Rovers before returning to his parent club.

Wimbledon will bring in a replacement in that area of the pitch.

McCormick signed for the Dons in July 2021 and his deal runs until June 2023. He netted eight times in 47 appearances for the Plough Lane outfit, also claiming nine assists.

Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton revealed at the weekend he expected more transfer activity.

He said: “I imagine there will be some movement this week and I hope we don’t wait until the last day of the window to take them off the board. I’m hoping we can get at least two, maybe even more over the line. But if not, I know I’m five short and I’ve got five to do and that’s on the back of no one going out. We might lose one or two as well and in that case, we might have to replace them.

“We’re short. We’ve lost three wingers in Elliot Anderson, Luke Thomas and Sam Nicholson and we haven’t really replaced any of them. We’re short in that department and we’re fully aware of that and the owner is fully aware of that and we’re aware of that as a group.

“Again, when you want quality, you’ve got to wait, you’ve got to be patient. Without getting too far ahead of ourselves, the wait will be worth it.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD