Bristol Rovers transfer target joins League One rivals as proposed Gas switch falls through

Bristol Rovers transfer target Cameron Dawson has joined Rotherham United instead of the Gas despite being close to agreeing a switch to BS7.

The Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper had agreed personal terms but Bristol Live understands that delays in getting the deal over the line has culminated in the 28-year-old pursuing an alternative option in League One.

Sheffield-born Dawson won't be relocating far as he departs Wednesday permanently after 12 years at the club and 129 first team appearances whereas he would've been moving around 200 miles south had he joined Rovers. But a move to the Mem would have reunited Dawson with manager Matt Taylor, who he had worked under on loan at Exeter City two seasons prior.

Signing a two-year deal at the New York Stadium, Dawson told Rotherham club media: "It's my first permanent move away but I'm really excited. It's the right time for me to come into something new, a fresh challenge and I'm really excited it's Rotherham and I can't wait to get going."

Meanwhile, manager Steve Evans added: "He had options to stay at Hillsborough and others elsewhere in the Championship and a multitude of options in League One, so to get him to AESSEAL New York Stadium is a great acquisition."

What that now means for the Gas' transfer strategy is yet to be seen with it understood that the goalkeeper would have joined Rovers with the expectation of being their first choice in between the sticks.

Jed Ward and Matt Hall are the Gas' current goalkeeping options with the former ending enjoying an outstanding vein of form in the second half of last season in what was the academy product's first run of games in the first team. The youngster also earned his first two caps for England under-20s earlier this month.

However, both Ward and Hall are only 21 with the latter still yet to make his senior debut and, given that Rovers were in for Dawson, it appears as though Taylor is keen to bring in a more experienced goalkeeper.

Dawson becomes the Millers' 10th signing of the summer transfer window with Steve Evans' side showing early intent to be amongst the promotion chasers following their relegation to League One last season.

It will also be a frustrating blow for Rovers who are also understood to have missed out on a deal for Plymouth Argyle captain Joe Edwards with the 33-year-old deciding to stay with the Pilgrims and fight for his place under Wayne Rooney.

Elsewhere, the Gas did confirm their first signing of the summer earlier today, adding highly-rated midfielder Isaac Hutchinson to their ranks from Walsall.