Derby County’s promotion rivals add striker as Blackpool look to steal midfielder

With the new season less than two weeks away, clubs, including Derby County, are frantically trying to build their squad for the campaign.

Here’s what has been going on around League One, amongst some of the Rams’ rivals...

Bolton Wanderers sign former Luton attacker

Carlos Mendes Gomes (Left) celebrating for Luton Town placeholder image
Carlos Mendes Gomes (Left) celebrating for Luton Town | Getty Images

One of Derby County’s promotion rivals, Bolton Wanderers have bolstered their front line by adding former Luton Town man Carlos Mendes Gomes.

The 24-year-old joined Bolton for an undisclosed fee.

He primarily plays as a right-winger but his versatility allows him to play across the front line if required.

Last season, Gomes spend the season on loan at League One Fleetwood Town where he played 37 games scoring nine goals.

Previously, the Spaniard played in the League Two Morecambe side that won promotion to League One in 2021, he scored the winning penalty in the playoff final penalty shootout.

Gomes becomes the Trotters’ seventh new signing of the season as they look to push for promotion to the Championship this season.

Blackpool make move for Carlisle star man

Carlisle United’s Owen Moxon (Left) placeholder image
Carlisle United’s Owen Moxon (Left) | Getty Images

Blackpool FC have made a bid for Carlisle United’s star midfielder Owen Moxon.

According to News and Star, the Seasiders have had a £250,000 bid for the midfielder rejected by Carlisle.

Moxon, 25, won Carlisle’s player of the season award last year during their promotion winning season where they came through the League Two playoffs to move up to League One.

The English midfielder came up through the ranks at Queen of the South in Scotland, before moving to Annan Athletic and then Carlisle United in July 2022.

It isn’t yet clear whether Carlisle are happy to sell their star man, but Blackpool’s interest is certain.

Bristol Rovers secure Premier League loanee

Matthew Cox playing for Brentford placeholder image
Matthew Cox playing for Brentford | Getty Images

Joey Barton’s side have had a busy summer regarding transfers, and they have added yet another in the shape of Brentford goalkeeper Matthew Cox.

The 20-year-old has impressed at youth level and has made appearances for England’s U19 and U20s teams.

Cox will battle with current Bristol Rovers goalkeeper James Belshaw who made 38 appearances last season for Rovers including eight clean sheets.

According to Football League World, it seems very likely that Brentford will have been given assurances that Cox will spend much of the season as Joey Barton’s number one choice.

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