Promoted outfit Bristol Rovers have been boosted by the fact they have had more time to prepare for life in League One following their third-place finish earlier this month.

It previously looked as though they were going to have to battle it out in the play-offs for a place in the third tier - but a remarkable 7-0 victory enabled Joey Barton's men to climb above Northampton on goal difference - a day that could be crucial for the coming years.

Having a few extra weeks to prepare for next season because of this, they could be early movers during the upcoming window in a bid to try and recruit the players needed to give themselves the best chance of remaining afloat in a higher division.

Announcing their retained list a fortnight ago, this has given Barton a clear idea of the areas he will need to prioritise when the summer window comes along.

And with this in mind, we're taking a look at eight transfer scenarios that could play out in the coming months now the 2021/22 campaign has concluded.

Elliot Anderson was a superb temporary addition for Rovers, recording eight goals and five assists in 21 league appearances as he played a huge part in getting the Gas back to the third tier.

Plying his trade both out wide and in a more central position, his versatility provided Barton with different options and at just 19, the teenager looks too good for the fourth tier already.

Some would argue another move to Rovers would be the logical next step for the Newcastle United youngster considering he's already become accustomed to life at the Memorial Stadium and has the chance to test himself at a higher level.

But with the likes of Middlesbrough, Reading and West Bromwich Albion reported to be interested in the 19-year-old, he may secure himself a move to the Championship instead with Eddie Howe potentially rejecting an approach from Rovers.

Crystal Palace's Sion Spence endured a frustrating campaign under Barton, making just 12 competitive appearances in all competitions and not having an extended opportunity to show his quality.

Registering three goals and two assists in those 12 displays though, popping up at crucial times and scoring a brace against Oxford United in the FA Cup last November.

Barton has admitted he wants the Welshman back next term and as long as Palace are willing to not charge a loan fee and pay a portion of his wages, it would be hard to see the 21-year-old returning on another loan spell.

They can have five loanees in their squad next season, so they would still have plenty of room to make other temporary additions if they signed him again.

The 20-year-old may find himself in an uncertain situation in the coming weeks because with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Liam Moore returning to their respective parent clubs, Stoke are currently short of centre-back options.

James Chester is also set to be released at the end of his contract at the bet365 Stadium this summer, potentially providing Connor Taylor with a pathway into the first team in Staffordshire.

However, you feel they will add to this area in the coming months and with Phil Jagielka confirmed to be remaining at the club, Harry Souttar potentially returning in pre-season and Will Forrester establishing himself as a first-teamer in the latter stages of last term, that could allow Taylor to re-join Rovers on loan.

The Stoke man has definitely contributed enough to earn a move back to the Memorial Stadium next term.

Coventry forward Tyler Walker has recently been linked with a move to the Memorial Stadium and this may not come as a real surprise considering both Brett Pitman and Leon Clarke will be leaving the club this summer when their contracts expire.

25-year-old striker Walker struggled to adapt to life on loan at Portsmouth last season and with this, his stock may not be high.

That may enable Rovers to strike a bargain deal for his services though, especially with the player potentially being deemed surplus to requirements at the CBS Arena this summer.

Mark Robins already has Viktor Gyokeres, Matt Godden, Martyn Waghorn and Fabio Tavares at his disposal and Luke Plange has also been linked with a move, possibly enabling Walker to move on permanently.

Ex-loanee James Connolly's contract at Cardiff City is expiring in a month and that could enable Rovers to swoop in and lure him to the Memorial Stadium for just a compensation fee if he leaves.

However, the Bluebirds also have the opportunity to trigger an extension on his contract that would see him remain in the Welsh capital for another 12 months, an option that may be taken up.

If Rovers had the chance, they would surely want to lure the Wales youth international to them on a permanent agreement but they may fail in their quest to do so if this extension is triggered.

Would they be able to match the Bluebirds' asking price if they wanted to pursue him even if he remains at Cardiff for another 12 months? Maybe not considering his international pedigree and the fact he's likely to go on to become a much better player in the future.

Along with Coventry's Walker, Rovers have also been linked with Accrington Stanley midfielder Matt Butcher who is set to become a free agent.

With this, the 25-year-old is already free to engage in negotiations with other clubs and that could allow Barton's side to make an early move for his services as they look to recruit the necessary pedigree of players needed to remain in the third tier.

However, they may face considerable competition for his signature with Bradford City, Motherwell and St Mirren also thought to be in the race for his signature.

If he wants to remain in England though, that could put the Gas in pole position to land him with Bradford remaining in the fourth tier and Portsmouth thought to be focusing on other targets.

Recording 17 goals in 50 competitive appearances last term, it's no surprise Pompey have been linked with a potential move for Aaron Collins who could be a regular goalscorer against next term.

With Walker and George Hirst departing on the expiration of their loan spells, Danny Cowley's side will want to strengthen their forward area this summer as they look to push for a place in the promotion mix during the 2022/23 campaign.

However, the Rovers forward believes his side can secure promotion to the Championship next term and with that ambition, he may reject a move to the south coast if he's offered the opportunity to ply his trade for Cowley's men.

Getting him tied down to a long-term deal may be key though if they want to retain him beyond the summer.

Luke Thomas is another player Barton wants back but following parent club Barnsley's relegation, the Tykes may decide to use him as a squad player considering he's 23 and still has a year left on his contract at Oakwell.

Recording five assists in 28 appearances for the Gas last term, that's not a bad total and their new manager may want to take a look at him in pre-season to judge whether he's ready to step up to the third tier or not.

Perhaps last season's record isn't that impressive considering he plied his trade in the fourth tier - and in that respect - a decision may be taken to send him back out on loan.

He only has 12 months left on his current deal though, so it would probably make sense for them to retain him as opposed to loaning him out once more.