Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town plotting move to sign 28-year-old | OneFootball

League One strugglers Shrewsbury and Bristol Rovers are chasing a deal for Theo Vassell.

Barrow defender Theo Vassell is the subject of interest from Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town.

This is according to Football Inisder's Pete O'Rourke, who links the 28-year-old with the League One duo as well as Scottish Premiership side, St Mirren.

Vassell has been at numerous EFL clubs since coming through Stoke City's academy and signed for Barrow last summer.

His time at Holker Street has gone superbly so far as he has been one of the standout players for an inconsistent Bluebirds side. Plying his trade at centre-back, the defender is their joint top goalscorer with four league goals to his name and has been equally influential defensively, with Barrow conceding just 26 goals in 24 games.

This nous would be of great use to both Rovers and Salop, who, across their respective third-tier campaigns, have conceded a combined 82 goals.

Shrewsbury and Rovers eye Theo Vassell

As detailed in the aforementioned report, when joining up with Barrow, Vassell signed a minimal one-year contract.

This puts the Bluebirds at a disadvantage when it comes to bargaining a deal with higher-tier clubs sure to have more pulling power over their League Two counterparts.

While it is unclear what sort of fee they would demand, should they reject any offers, then it is feasible he leaves for free in the summer.

Currently, the Gas and Salop are the two League One clubs mentioned, but they will have to battle it out with St Mirren, who are currently sitting in sixth place in the Scottish Premiership.

All three sides are keen to strike a deal this window, knowing that waiting until the summer could scupper their chances of signing the 28-year-old.

Theo Vassell has the chance to step into League One

The opportunity to play at a higher level may only present itself once to Vassell and, for that reason, he should be eager to join up with either Inigo Calderon at Rovers or Gareth Ainsworth at Shrewsbury.

Throughout his career, Vassell has predominantly plied his trade in League Two and the National League, amassing over 250 appearances across these levels. Now, well-experienced, he seems ready to make the jump to League One.

While the third-tier pair are both struggling near the foot of the table, both have a renewed sense of optimism under the guidance of new head coaches.

Ainsworth has made a relatively pleasing start to life at the Croud Meadow with improved performances and Calderon picked up his first three points on Saturday as Rovers saw off Cambridge United.

The aim for both clubs is to secure safety, and the addition of Vassell would provide a significant boost to their survival hopes.