Bristol Rovers are understood to be close to making their first signing of the summer

Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter

13:00, 17 Jun 2025

Jack Sparkes pictured in action for Peterborough United(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers are close to completing a deal to sign left-back Jack Sparkes from Peterborough United, Bristol Live understands, believed to be a permanent move.

The 24-year-old was born in Exmouth and came through the youth ranks at Exeter City before making 151 senior appearances for the Grecians.

Sparkes then joined Portsmouth in 2023 ahead of Pompey’s League One title-winning season, in which the defender played 43 times across all competitions.

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A move to Posh followed last summer which has proven less successful. Sparkes played 21 games in League One before being loaned to League Two side Chesterfield. The 24-year-old was a regular for the Spireites, helping them to the League Two play-offs where they were beaten by Walsall in the semi-finals.

The Gas are yet to announce a signing this summer with Sparkes believed to be in line to be one of the first arrivals in north Bristol ahead of the 2025/26 League Two campaign.

According to the Peterborough Telegraph, a medical has been scheduled for early next week, meaning that Rovers may well make further additions before Sparkes’ move to BS7 is official. They are believed to be close to making their first addition of the summer.

Rovers’ left-hand side of defence was a notable weakness last season with neither Clinton Mola, Lino Sousa or Bryant Bilongo able to hold down a consistent starting place for a significant period.

Sousa has since returned to parent club Aston Villa while Bilongo is back with the Gas after spending the second half of last term on loan at Harrogate Town.

The transfer window is now back open until Monday, September 1 after a brief closure for the Club World Cup.

Rovers players are due back at The Quarters for the start of pre-season on Monday.

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