Macauley Langstaff remains a name of interest at Bristol Rovers, but a deal appears unlikely in the current window.
Meanwhile, Jonson Clarke-Harris, once close to returning to the Mem, has now opted for a move abroad as the Gas turn to alternative striker targets.
Langstaff Admired But Out Of Reach For Now
The Gas are understood to hold a strong admiration for Millwall striker Macauley Langstaff, but any serious move appears out of reach for the time being. Despite speculation, there has been no formal bid submitted to the Championship side, and insiders believe the 28-year-old will not be allowed to leave The Den until later in the summer—if at all.
Langstaff, who joined Millwall from Notts County last year, enjoyed a prolific 2023/24 season in League Two, scoring 28 goals. That form generated significant interest from several League One clubs, including Rovers. However, the fierce competition for his signature and Millwall’s current stance make a deal unlikely in the short term.
The Gas have placed a new centre forward at the top of their priority list, but with Langstaff’s situation uncertain, manager Darrell Clarke may be forced to pursue more immediate and attainable options.
🚨 SIGNED 🚨
Pendikspor have signed former Rotherham forward Jonson Clarke-Harris. 🇹🇷
The player will make the move to the Turkish second division very soon.#rufc #Pendikspor pic.twitter.com/yrHRatWMtD
— Cyril Pemberton (@cyrilpemberton) July 5, 2025
Clarke-Harris Set For Turkish Move
Meanwhile, former Rovers fan-favourite Jonson Clarke-Harris will not be making a return to BS7. After his contract with Rotherham United was terminated by mutual agreement, the 30-year-old free agent is now expected to join Turkish second-tier side Pendikspor.
Rovers had been close to bringing Clarke-Harris back in a deal that had gathered serious momentum. Reports suggest negotiations nearly concluded in their favour, but the forward has chosen a fresh challenge abroad instead. The striker previously netted 27 goals in 52 appearances during a prolific 18-month spell with Rovers before departing for Peterborough United in 2020.
Clarke-Harris had also come close to rejoining the club two years ago when an £800,000 deal collapsed late on deadline day. His recent form for Rotherham was below his usual standard, registering just seven League One goals last season, but his proven track record in the third tier still made him an attractive target.
Site Opinion
This was a summer that briefly promised two marquee striker additions for Bristol Rovers—but the door appears to have closed on both. Langstaff would have represented a bold statement, but his Championship status and strong demand mean patience is needed, if pursuit continues at all. As for Clarke-Harris, the fanbase may feel a twinge of regret after a near-miss, especially given how close a reunion reportedly came.
Rovers now look set to explore other options, perhaps leaning on a mixture of experience and promise to support Promise Omochere, whose own injury setbacks have highlighted the need for reliable firepower. Whether Rovers pivot quickly or wait on further movement remains to be seen, but their intent to strengthen the forward line is unquestionable.
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