Exclusive: Antony Evans close to Bristol Rovers exit after bid from League One rivals accepted

Antony Evans is close to leaving Bristol Rovers, Bristol Live understands, after the Gas accepted a bid from Huddersfield Town believed to be in the region of £450,000.

It is understood that a separate bid from Huddersfield was rejected last week, however the recently-relegated side have returned with an improved offer and are expected to add the midfielder to Michael Duff's ranks for the 2024/25 season.

Evans was crowned Rovers' Player of the Season last term after an outstanding campaign which saw the 25-year-old contribute 10 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. He also wore the captain's armband in Sam Finley's absence as the midfielder was one of few players that managed to play with notable consistency throughout the campaign.

Not only was Evans the Gas' second-top scorer behind Chris Martin but he also clocked the most minutes in the squad with around 4,000, only missing three matches due to yellow card suspensions.

Although the loss will be a blow for Rovers, assuming the deal is completed, it doesn't come to much surprise on the back of the Scouser's excellent performances last season as well as the fact that he has now entered the final year of his contract at the Mem with no indication of signing an extension despite being offered fresh terms.

Evans has been a fan favourite throughout his three seasons in blue-and-white quarters, playing a vital role in helping the Gas to promotion from League Two following his arrival from German side Paderborn three summers ago. The midfielder then helped Rovers to consolidate their place back in League One before his best campaign for the Gas last term.

The move should offer the 25-year-old the opportunity to compete in a team pushing for promotion on the back of the Terriers' relegation from the Championship last season, similar to Aaron Collins' move to Bolton Wanderers in January.

Additionally, it will allow the Liverpudlian, who came through the Everton academy, to live closer to home having last been based in the north when on loan at Crewe Alexandra from Paderborn in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

Huddersfield have already signed wing-backs Lasse Sorensen from Lincoln City and Mikel Miller from Plymouth Argyle as well as midfielder Herbie Kane from Barnsley. The Terriers were reportedly also in for Charlton striker Alfie May who has instead joined Birmingham City.

Rovers have already added an attack-minded midfielder to their ranks in the form of Isaac Hutchinson from Walsall with the 24-year-old seemingly a ready-made replacement for Evans on the back of scoring 15 goals and registering 12 assists for the League Two side last season.

Gasheads should get a first glimpse of the midfielder, as well as his fellow new arrivals, for the first time on Friday evening when the Gas head to Melksham Town for their opening friendly of pre-season.