Doncaster Rovers: More new signings expected this week

And he is unlikely to be the only new arrival before the weekend, as Rovers continue to make rapid progress in rebuilding their squad ahead of next season in League Two.

McSheffrey, who quickly became a key man during his end-of-season loan stint at the Keepmoat Stadium, revealed in a radio interview that his mind was more or less made up on joining Rovers.

And such is his eagerness to complete the deal, it is understood that the 33-year-old forward filed his transfer paperwork through to Rovers last week while he was attending a coaching course in Belfast.

McSheffrey should be unveiled as a Doncaster player this week - and Rovers are closing in on further targets too.

Defender Mathieu Baudry became the club’s fourth new signing on Friday but boss Darren Ferguson has identified another centre back he would like to bring in and is close to sealing that deal.

And despite already landing Tommy Rowe and Matty Blair, the Scot is still thought to be keen on further strengthening his midfield resources.

Rovers’ swift and decisive action in the transfer market has come as a welcome boost to fans left flabbergasted by the club’s third relegation in five seasons - and is in stark contrast to previous pre-seasons. Last summer Rovers made their first signing, Thorsten Stuckmann, on June 10.

One contributing factor, which is likely to see more transfer business done earlier across the Football League, is the abolishment of emergency loans, which is also likely to see clubs carry bigger squads next season.

But the decisiveness of Ferguson also clearly indicates his keenness to carry out the necessary ‘shake-up’ he has previously spoken about in good time. Rovers’ first team squad will report back for fitness testing on June 20.