Exclusive: Antony Evans close to Bristol Rovers exit after offer from League One rivals accepted

Antony Evans is close to leaving Bristol Rovers, Bristol Live understands, after Gas accepted a bid from Huddersfield Town believed to be in the region of £450,000.

A separate bid from Huddersfield is understood to have been rejected last week, however the recently relegated side have come back with an improved offer and are expected to add the midfielder to Michael Duff’s ranks for the 2024/25 season.

Evans was named Rovers’ Player of the Season last term after a superb campaign in which the 25-year-old contributed 10 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances in all competitions. He also wore the captain’s armband in Sam Finley’s absence, with the midfielder being one of the few players to play with notable consistency throughout the campaign.

Not only was he Evans the Gas’ second top scorer behind Chris Martin, but he logged the most minutes on the team with around 4,000, missing just three games due to a yellow card suspension.

While the loss will be a blow for Rovers, assuming the deal is completed, it is not too much of a surprise given the Scouser’s excellent performances last season, as well as the fact that he is now entering the final year of his contract. to Mem with no indication of signing an extension despite being offered new terms.

Evans has been a fan favorite throughout his three seasons at quarterback in blue and white, playing a vital role in helping the Gas to promotion from Ligue 2 following his arrival from German side Paderborn three summers ago. The midfielder then helped Rovers cement their place back in League One ahead of his best campaign for the Gas last term.

The move should give the 25-year-old the opportunity to compete in a team that is pushing for promotion following the Terriers’ relegation from the Championship last season, similar to Aaron Collins’ move to Bolton Wanderers in January.

It will also allow the Liverpudlian, who came through Everton’s academy, to live closer to home, having last been based in the north when he was loaned to Crewe Alexandra from Paderborn in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign .

Huddersfield have already signed full-backs Lasse Sorensen from Lincoln City and Mikel Miller from Plymouth Argyle, as well as midfielder Herbie Kane from Barnsley. The Terriers were also said to be in for Charlton striker Alfie May, who joined Birmingham City instead.

Rovers have already added an attack-minded midfielder to their ranks in the form of Walsall’s Isaac Hutchinson, the 24-year-old seemingly a ready-made replacement for Evans after scoring 15 goals and registering 12 assists for League Two. part of last season.

Gasheads should see the midfielder, as well as his fellow new arrivals, for the first time on Friday evening when the Gas travel to Melksham Town for their opening pre-season friendly.