[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers have added midfielder Jake Garrett to their ranks as he joins on loan for the 2024-25 season from Blackburn Rovers.

The 21-year-old made 28 appearances in all competitions last campaign for Blackburn, scoring four goals.

Garrett also won the club's 'Young Player of the Season' award and has come through their academy.

“I feel like I have a point to prove." Garrett told the club, external upon joining.

"I want to have the opportunity to show what I can do, week-in and week-out in League One.

"I am ready for the physical challenge and I'm prepared to battle hard and be a valuable part of the team."

Garrett is the club's 12th signing of the summer transfer window and joins before their opening game of the season next weekend when the Pirates welcome Northampton Town to the Memorial Stadium.

[themaclad]

Aston Villa left-back Lino Sousa has joined Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old joined Villa in February and spent the second half of last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.

He made eight appearances for the Pilgrims in the Championship, having begun his career in the Arsenal academy.

Sousa becomes the 14th summer signing for the Gas, and the fourth on loan.

"I feel like this is a really good platform to showcase myself and help the club achieve its aims for the season," he told the club's website, external.

"I'm just grateful to the manager and the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity."

Rovers began their League One season by beating Northampton on Saturday before losing to Cardiff in the Carabao Cup first round on Tuesday.

[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers have signed forward Shaq Forde from Watford for an undisclosed fee and striker Gatlin O’Donkor on a season-long loan from Oxford United.

Forde, 20, spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient, where he scored nine goals in 43 appearances, and has signed a three-year contract.

O'Donkor is Rovers’ fifth signing on loan this transfer window.

The 19-year-old made 24 appearances for the U's last season before a loan spell at National League side Barnet, where he scored six goals in 14 matches.