Wycombe Wanderers have opened transfer negotiations with Bristol Rovers over a deal for 23-year-old centre-back Connor Taylor, sources have confirmed to EFL Deal Zone.
Taylor was absent from Rovers’ opening day defeat to Harrogate Town, and manager Darrell Clarke admitted post-match that the defender had asked to leave the club amid growing interest from multiple EFL sides.
The former Stoke City man has emerged as a key target for Wycombe, who are looking to strengthen their defensive line following last season’s League One play-off campaign.
Transfer request submitted amid growing interest
Clarke revealed over the weekend that Taylor has received “three or four bids” and has officially handed in a transfer request to force a move before the end of the window. His omission from the matchday squad against Harrogate followed a similar absence in Rovers’ final pre-season friendly against Oxford United.
Sources close to the deal have told EFL Deal Zone that Wycombe are one of the clubs actively negotiating terms for the player, though the Chairboys are not alone in the race. A number of other League One clubs are also tracking Taylor closely.
With two years left on his deal — plus a club option for a third — Bristol Rovers are in a strong position to demand a significant fee for one of their most valuable assets.
Proven record in League One
Taylor was one of Rovers’ standout performers in 2024/25, making 42 appearances and winning the club’s Player of the Season award despite their relegation. His commanding presence, aerial ability, and positional awareness have made him a consistent performer since returning to the Memorial Stadium in a reported £300,000 deal from Stoke City last summer.
His breakout campaign came during a loan spell in 2021/22, when he played a key role in helping Rovers secure promotion from League Two. Since then, Taylor has made nearly 90 senior appearances for the Gas, forming a reputation as one of the most reliable young defenders in the EFL.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 League One:
• Appearances: 42
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 0
• Minutes played: 3,503
• Pass completion: 77.7%
• Tackles won per 90: 1.2
• Blocks per 90: 1.0
• Yellow cards: 4
🟥 ZONE RUMOURED
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