Lightbourne was transfer-listed by Rovers' Second Division rivals Stoke City towards the end of last year and earlier this week was given a free transfer after loan moves to Swindon and Cardiff turned sour.

Today is transfer deadline day in the English league and the Potters granted the Bermudian striker a free transfer in the hope he could find a club before the 5.00 p.m. (GMT) deadline.

If he has not found a new team by today he will likely have to sit out the season until transfers are allowed again in May.

Stoke have made it clear he no longer figures in their plans and unless there is a sudden rash of injuries among the team's eight frontmen, it is almost certain Lightbourne's boots won't see action until next season.

It had been suggested that his former club, Walsall, may make a move for him but the latest suggestion is that the Pirates have made enquiries to take the 32-year-old on board.

Although both Rovers and City have remained tight-lipped , it is believed the former's boss, Gary Thompson, has spoken with his counterparts at the Brittannia Stadium.

A Rovers source said: "We're looking at bringing in a centre forward prior to deadline day and we've made a few enquiries, although I can't really name any names.'' John Rudge, Stoke's football executive, admitted a number of teams had contacted the club. "We've had a couple of contacts from clubs about Kyle,'' he said. "But again nothing concrete has materialised.''