Steve Evans reveals potential Bristol Rovers transfer twist | OneFootball

There have been fresh developments in Isaac Hutchinson's immediate future

Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans has provided a significant update on one of the club's biggest transfer stories of the summer.

Isaac Hutchinson's future continues to generate speculation.

After a productive campaign on loan at Cheltenham Town, the attacking midfielder has been attracting interest from elsewhere in League One, with an exit from the Memorial Stadium having been on the cards for some time.

Hutchinson has previously spoken of his ambition to play at the highest level possible, while Evans has never hidden the fact that the 26-year-old has informed the club of his desire to move on.

However, the Rovers boss has now shed further light on the situation, with his latest comments suggesting there could yet be another twist before the transfer window closes.

Steve Evans delivers fresh Isaac Hutchinson transfer update

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Evans has revealed that Rovers have already received multiple approaches for Hutchinson, but insisted none have come close to meeting the club's valuation.

“I think with Isaac, it’s very simple. Two or three bids have come in, and two or three bids have been turned down by our board, and it’s simple because they have not met the valuation.

“We’ve set the value, and those interested clubs have been made aware of that, as have the people that look after Isaac, and they’ve not met that value, so he goes nowhere.

“We will treat him as if he is going to be here and part of our plans. If a club triggers the valuation, I have given my word to Isaac on behalf of the board that if that valuation is met, he would be given permission to go and have his own personal chats, but at the minute, he’s in the building, and he’s looking like he could be with us.”

The update represents a noteworthy development after Evans previously acknowledged Hutchinson's desire to leave in pursuit of football at a higher level, with the possibility of the talented attacking midfielder remaining in the West Country sure to come as a surprise to supporters.

While Rovers are prepared to facilitate a move under the right circumstances, Evans' latest comments make it clear the club will not compromise on their valuation.

With a year remaining on his contract and the transfer window still young, Bristol Rovers are under no immediate pressure to accept offers that fall below their asking price.

Bristol Rovers remain firmly in control of Hutchinson's future

Hutchinson's stock has risen considerably over the past 12 months. After a difficult start to life at Rovers, which was overshadowed by abuse directed towards both the midfielder and his family, his return to Cheltenham proved transformative.

He finished the campaign with 20 goals in all competitions, including 18 in League Two, and earned a place in the division's Team of the Season.

Those performances have inevitably attracted interest, but they have also strengthened Rovers' negotiating position.

Evans' latest remarks suggest the club are comfortable with either outcome.

Should a prospective buyer meet their valuation, Hutchinson will be allowed to discuss personal terms. If not, Rovers appear fully prepared to welcome him back into the squad for the new season.

That stance removes any sense of urgency from negotiations and places the responsibility firmly on interested clubs.

Hutchinson's future may still lie away from the Mem, but unless Rovers receive an offer they believe reflects his value, Evans has indicated the midfielder will remain part of his plans heading into the new campaign.