Bristol Rovers will go head-to-head with soon-to-be-relegated Northampton Town for a prolific striker this summer, according to Peter O’Rourke.
The Gas are among the clubs tracking Eastleigh forward Aaron Blair, a player whose return of 17 league goals has made him one of the standout performers outside the EFL this season.
Rovers look to build momentum under Evans
After a turbulent campaign that flirted with real danger, Rovers steadied themselves under Steve Evans, whose permanent appointment now gives the club a clear direction heading into the summer. His record since taking charge suggests there is a foundation to build on, but it is equally clear that significant changes are required if the club are to push towards the top end of League Two.
That starts with goals, and Blair fits the profile of a player ready to step up. At 25, he is no longer a prospect learning his trade, but a forward entering his peak years with a proven record of scoring across multiple levels. His journey through non-league football has been steady rather than spectacular, but the consistency of his output suggests he could handle the jump.
Northampton and Bristol Rovers are among a number of clubs chasing Eastleigh striker Aaron Blair. The 25-year-old is also a target for South African Premiership side Stellenbosch. #Spitfires #ntfc #bristolrovers pic.twitter.com/FRHuC0RBjp
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) April 14, 2026
A striker on the rise
Blair came through the academy at Dagenham & Redbridge before gaining senior experience out on loan during the 2022/23 season with Brightlingsea Regent and Braintree Town. It was at Braintree where he made a real impression, scoring five goals in seven appearances during one spell, form that quickly put him on the radar and earned him a permanent move.
That switch proved pivotal. Across two seasons with Braintree, he made 91 appearances and scored 31 goals, playing a key role in their 2023/24 National League South play-off success, finding the net in both the semi-final and final. He then joined Maidstone United in June 2024 and has continued that upward trajectory, scoring eight goals in 26 league games during the 2024/25 campaign.
Bristol Rovers surely front-runners
While Northampton Town are also reported to be interested, their situation remains less settled. Relegation from League One brings uncertainty, particularly with a permanent managerial appointment still to be made. Until that structure is in place, it is difficult to see them moving as decisively in the market as Rovers might.
This feels like an opportunity for Evans to act early and decisively, as he so often does. Identifying targets before the market becomes crowded is often his speciality, although some Rotherham fans might also argue that it is his downfall.
In truth, this is exactly the type of move that could define Rovers’ summer. Not headline-grabbing, not extravagant, but smart, calculated, and with clear upside. If they are serious about pushing back towards the top of League Two, these are the deals that will shape their season long before a ball is kicked.
