Joey Barton on alert over Stoke City loan situation

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has confirmed he would love to re-sign Connor Taylor on loan from Stoke City - but understands the young defender might not be let back out.

Centre-half Taylor, aged 20, played a key role in Bristol Rovers' dramatic promotion from League Two during a season on loan. He has returned to Stoke for pre-season and his progress has been recognised with the award of a new three-year contract.

He was one of a few players who have featured regularly in warm-up games to sit out of Stoke's 2-0 friendly defeat at Bristol Rovers last night - and League One clubs are queuing up in case Michael O'Neill decides to sanction another loan.

Taylor has put himself in contention to be a part of Stoke's league plans but the transfer window is open until September 1 and there is recognition that the best thing for his development will be playing week in, week out.

Barton told BristolLive: "Connor did great here last year and we will forever be grateful to him, but he isn’t our player at the end of the day. You’re in Stoke’s hands on that.

"We’d love to have him back because he was a great fit for us and I think he enjoyed his time here and we certainly enjoyed his performances.

"If that option is there and Stoke want to loan him out we’d be delighted to have him back, but again he’s not our player and he could play in their first team based on what I’ve seen. They will improve and get better, but Connor was a fantastic player for us.

"But as I said, it’s disrespectful for me to talk about their players."

READ NEXT: