Rovers sign Cotterill, Negru, Issaka and Chang

Joel Cotterill has signed a new deal with Swansea to 2027 as he joins Bristol Rovers on loan

Bristol Rovers have signed midfielders Joel Cotterill and Alfie Chang, centre-back Stephan Negru and forward Freddie Issaka on loan for the rest of the season.

Swansea City's Cotterill has also agreed a new deal to keep him at Championship side until the summer of 2027.

The 20-year-old has made only one appearance for the Welsh club, in an EFL Cup defeat at Oxford three years ago.

He spent last season on loan at Swindon Town, scoring five times in 48 games, while he was also part of Stockport County's promotion-winning squad in the 2023-24 season during another loan spell.

Cotterill, who is a Wales Under-21 international, has been described by Rovers director of football Ricky Martin as someone who can "play box-to-box and brings a real energy that will complement our squad".

Negru joins from Oxford United where he has played since January 2023 and made 21 appearances.

The 23-year-old has also had a spell on loan with Salford City during the last campaign.

"He is an aggressive and strong centre-back who will add presence to our defensive options," Rovers boss Darrell Clarke told the club website.

"Stephan has shown already what he can offer at this level over the last season and we're looking forward to working with him over the coming campaign."

Issaka has made 39 appearances in total for Argyle and became the club's youngest player in August 2021 when he made his debut aged 15 years and 34 days.

The Truro-born player has also represented Wales at under-19 level.

"Freddie has electric pace to burn and a fearless ability to take on opponents one-v-one," Martin said.

Chang signs from Birmingham City with Rovers retaining the option to make the move permanent in the future.

The 22-year-old takes the League Two outfit's tally of signings this summer to 14.

In total, Chang has played 21 games for the Blues having come through their academy since his debut in 2021 and spent part of last season on loan at Walsall after returning from a long-term knee injury.