Doncaster Rovers are ready to splash the cash after selling top scorer John Marquis, as reported by the Doncaster Free Press.

They're reported to be closing in on a number of new signings after sanctioning the sale of Marquis, who scored 26 goals for them as they broke into the top six last season.

A rather turbulent summer has now seen not only Marquis leave, but also captain Tommy Rowe and manager Grant McCann. Darren Moore is the new man in charge and he's keen to see new arrivals as Rovers look to launch another promotion bid.

“I’ve been working closely with Gavin Baldwin [chief executive] on identifying players and we’re very close on a number of deals for a number of positions which we’re hopeful of concluding quickly," said the former West Brom manager, who is thought to have received around £2m for Marquis.

“I’m pleased with the squad we have here, but we need a few more bodies to add to it and we’ll have it sorted soon.”

He also clarified the motive behind the sale of Marquis, explaining how the club didn't want to sell their talisman.

"We were clear with John that we didn’t want to sell him and wanted him to sign a new deal, but he also made clear to us that he would not do that as he wanted to move further south to be closer to his family.

“We will get a substantial fee from Portsmouth for someone who was in the last 12 months of his contract and this money will allow me to strengthen the squad.”

Doncaster host Gillingham this Saturday in their first match of the new season.

The Verdict

This is a big day for Doncaster Rovers, and not necessarily a good one. Yes, they're getting a big fee but replacing Marquis' goals is not going to be easy.

If anything, it's nigh on impossible. Even finding a player with 20 goals in him is tough enough, especially so close to the start of the season.

I feared for Rovers promotion hopes this season; I now wonder if they might spend the latter part of the campaign glancing over their shoulder.

Moore didn't prove to be a master tactician at West Brom and with limited resources and time at the Keepmoat, it could be a hard nine months ahead.