Doncaster Rovers’ 26-goal striker has been hailed by boss Darren Ferguson – but will this encourage interest from Sheffield United, Norwich City and co?
Darren Ferguson may have set the likes of George Boyd, Britt Assombalonga and Lee Tomlin on their way to stardom but, according to the Doncaster Rovers manager, his prolific striker John Marquis is one of his most inspired signings, as reported by the South Yorkshire Times.
With 26 goals in 39 League Two fixtures, inspiring the Yorkshire side to the top of the fourth tier, it’s fair to say Marquis has been an unqualified success at the Keepmoat after arriving from Millwall on a free transfer in the summer.
HITC sources told us that the 24-year-old has caught the eye of a number of Championship clubs, including Norwich City, Barnsley and Blackburn Rovers, plus League One’s runaway leaders Sheffield United.
And Ferguson’s praise will no doubt ensure that the interest intensifies ahead of a summer transfer scramble.
“Yes, he is [one of my best ever signings],” Ferguson told the South Yorkshire Times. “Every day in training he’s at it. He can be a pain in the a*** but he’s a good lad, I like him.
“He’s been perfect for what we needed, not just out on the pitch but the way he leads by example on the training ground and the way he is in the dressing room.”
Comfortably the top scorer in the 2016/17 League Two season, Marquis has netted more goals this campaign than in each of his last three combined. Overall, he has doubled his career tally in the space of ten months.
Therefore, it’s no wonder that so many clubs are interested. Norwich City, intriguingly, appear set to appoint transfer guru Stuart Webber as their new Sporting Director and the deal would have plenty of his hallmarks.
Webber transformed Huddersfield Town via his astute eye for a bargain and, although The Canaries aren’t short on goalscorers, Marquis could help inspire a promotion push next season.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, need some support for top scorer Billy Sharp if they are to adapt quickly to the second tier next season. Marquis may have struggled for opportunities at Millwall in the Championship but, on the basis of his prolific form this season, he is worth a chance.
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