Exclusive: Aaron Collins’ Bristol Rovers future in doubt as Bolton and Wrexham pursue forward

Aaron Collins has been left out of today’s matchday squad to face Oxford United as transfer interest in the Bristol Rovers forward grows

Aaron Collins has not been included in Bristol Rovers’ matchday squad for this afternoon’s League One encounter against Oxford United, as it looks increasingly likely that the forward may well be sold before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Collins, whose current deal expires next summer, has been subject to interest from a number of EFL clubs as Bristol Live understands Charlton Athletic and League Two promotion chasers Wrexham made enquiries earlier this month, while Bolton Wanderers are now also in the race to sign the 26-year-old.

The Welshman remains one of Rovers’ most valuable assets as well as being one of the club’s highest earners and therefore represents an opportunity to raise funds in the transfer market, while also providing a degree of flexibility with the wage bill as manager Matt Taylor looks to make further additions next week.

Collins has struggled to replicate his outstanding form from last season which saw him register 16 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances in League One. However, despite scoring just three league goals, with the last coming in the reverse fixture at Oxford United on October 7, he still remains one of the league’s brightest creative players, leading the assist table with nine.

He therefore still retains significant market value but his future at the club appears to be in doubt with his form struggling to pick back up under Taylor.

As the Gas manager has searched for increased contribution in the final third from his forwards bar in-form striker Chris Martin, who has scored Rovers’ last six league goals, the 26-year-old has been unable to make a consistent impact since Taylor’s arrival last month. Collins has started three of the Pirates’ six matches with appearances from the bench often being relatively brief.