Bristol Rovers boss Buckle eyes Jamie Cureton return

Cureton is out of contract at Exeter City

Bristol Rovers manager Paul Buckle has confirmed he has held talks with Exeter striker Jamie Cureton over a possible return to the Memorial Stadium.

The 35-year-old, who is out of contract at St James Park, spent four seasons with Rovers from 1996 to 2000 and scored 78 goals in 200 appearances.

"I'm speaking with Jamie, he has got three of four clubs chasing him," Buckle told BBC Radio Bristol.

"But I've made it very clear to him that he's my number one choice."

He added: "I'm hopeful of bringing him in if we can reach an agreement but it's got to suit all three parties - Jamie, the football club and myself."

Cureton left Rovers to join Reading and has gone on to play for Swindon, QPR, Norwich, Colchester, Barnsley and Shrewsbury.

He joined Exeter on a free transfer last summer and has yet to commit to another contract with the Grecians.

"I want him to really want to come back, to know why he's coming back and not be sentimental," added Buckle.

"It would be great for him to come back, we know what he's capable of and we know what he's done for the club."

Meanwhile Buckle, who was appointed permanent manager in May, is hopeful of keeping hold of midfielder Chris Lines and Leicester City loanee Cian Bolger.

Lines, 25, signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Pirates in January 2010 while defender Bolger, 19, spent the latter half on last season on loan from the Foxes.

"I'm hopeful Chris Lines will stay, he's a really good player but again it's got to fall into place for all of us," said Buckle

"If it's right for Chris to move on then he'll move on. I'm sure he'll have a lot of takers.

"There's every chance Bolger will be coming back to us from Leicester. He did well for the club last season and I'm hopeful we can get him signed on loan until Christmas."