By Russell Edge

13th Oct, 2020 | 4:09pm

Exclusive: Winner named in Charlton & Bristol Rovers race for defender after Burnley offer snub

Bristol Rovers are set to beat Charlton Athletic to the signing of defender Ali Koiki on a free transfer, Football Insider understands.

This site revealed back in September that the Addicks were leading the chase to snap up the left-back after he turned down a contract with former side Burnley.

However, a recruitment source has told Football Insider that the 21-year-old’s prospective move to the Valley has broken down and that Bristol Rovers are set to capitalise by sealing his signature.

Koiki has been in high demand across the EFL all summer after he brought his four-year spell with Burnley to an end by not signing a new contract.

The left-sided defender, who was released by Crystal Palace as a youngster, did not make a single first-team appearance during his time at Turf Moor but was in and around the first-team squad on occasion.

His first taste of regular senior football came during a loan spell at Swindon Town, where he made 15 appearances during the second half of the 2018/19 season.

He has proven himself as a versatile defender who has the ability to play as a left-sided midfielder as well as a natural left-back.

Koiki is now set to join a Bristol Rovers side who have made a mixed start to the new League One campaign.

The Pirates have picked up two wins, most recently against Lincoln City, one draw and suffered two defeats from their opening five games of the season.

In other Charlton Athletic news, a 25-year-old has opened talks to join the club from Crystal Palace.