Barton insists Bristol Rovers 'won't have pants pulled down' for transfers as new target emerges

Joey Barton insists Bristol Rovers "won’t be getting their pants pulled down by anybody anymore" and are the club "changes tack" in the transfer market.

Barton revealed after Rovers' 1-0 win over Oxford United on Saturday that the Gas had called off a move for a target due to unrealistic expectations from a selling club. Barton did not specify which player he was referring to, but AFC Wimbledon's Luke McCormick and Barnsley's Luke Thomas are understood to be among Rovers' long-term targets.

Meanwhile, Bristol Live understands Burnley midfielder Adam Phillips, who spent last season on loan at Morecambe, has been made available to depart Turf Moor and the Gas are considering a move for the 24-year-old.

Rovers have made six signings so far this summer and Barton has repeatedly stated the importance of patience in the market to find value, with the manager eying as many as six more additions by August 31, but there is a growing sense of frustration with demands he feels are unrealistic.

"It’s going to go down to the last embers of the window," Barton said. "That’s just the way it is, unfortunately. If we can get things done before that, we will.

"We thought we were further down the track with something the other day. We’ve decided to completely change tack now because people are taking the p***. We’ve just moved targets.

"You try to strike a fair deal with people, but I think some people think they are playing Championship Manager at times. I think they forget what is fair value.

"We’ll change course on that and go in a different direction, and as I’ve said, we’ve got a good group. Look at the strength in depth that we’ve got on the bench. We’ve got to get them up to speed and build some robustness into those boys.

"We’ll