Bristol Rovers are expected to see first choice goalkeeper Josh Griffiths recalled by parent club West Brom before the transfer window closes this evening, Bristol Live understands.
According to the Express and Star, Albion have accepted a bid for long-term number one Alex Palmer from Premier League side Ipswich Town with the 28-year-old set for a medical in Suffolk.
That would subsequently see the Baggies recall Griffiths from his loan spell at Rovers, where the 23-year-old has been arguably the Gas’ player of the season so far, to be the Championship side’s first choice ‘keeper for the remainder of the season.
In a domino effect, the expectation is that, should Rovers lose Griffiths, they would likely opt to recall academy graduate Jed Ward from his loan spell at Forest Green Rovers, for whom the 21-year-old has thoroughly impressed this campaign.
For many Gasheads, Griffiths has been the pick for player of the season in BS7 so far, playing every minute of their League One campaign and keeping seven clean sheets in the process with an eighth coming in the FA Cup against Barnsley.
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Additionally, no goalkeeper in the third tier has made more saves than the 23-year-old’s 110 with the shot stopper single handedly winning points for the Gas on numerous occasions. Burton Albion’s Max Crocombe ranks second with a whopping 20 saves fewer.
The loanee’s standing as first choice has been untouchable, firstly due to his form but also the fact that Rovers’ only other goalkeeping option is 21-year-old Matt Hall who has just two senior appearances to his name, both coming in the EFL Trophy.
Clubs have until 11pm this evening to complete any business. At this moment in time, it is unclear whether the Gas would look to bring a goalkeeper in but the most likely response would seemingly be to recall Ward.