LIGHTBOURNE SET FOR PIRATES SWITCH?

FOLLOWING the signing of Liverpool's Richie Partridge on Tuesday, Bristol Rovers boss Garry Thompson looks set to pursue his interest in an unnamed striker, believed to be Stoke's Kyle Lightbourne. 

A spokesman for Rovers stated: "We are looking at bringing in a centre forward prior to deadline day and we've made a few enquiries, although I can't really name any names."

Sources suggest, however, that Rovers have approached Stoke City striker Kyle Lightbourne, who has been told that he can leave the club on a free transfer.

John Rudge, The Potters' director of football confirmed: "We have dealt with one or two enquiries about Kyle Lightbourne from interested clubs. The player is looking for a new challenge but as yet nothing concrete has been finalised."

Lightbourne has also been linked with a move to former club Walsall, and Cardiff City are said to be retaining an interest in the 32-year-old after his loan spell at Ninian Park, although the latest indications seem to suggest that the striker could be Bristol-bound.