With the August transfer deadline fast approaching, many teams will be looking to submit audacious last-gasp bids in the transfer market and Luton Town may be no different.
It’s fair to say it’s been an underwhelming transfer window so far for Luton Town fans. Four signings are confirmed now, but Hatters fans will be expecting more in their bid for a return to the Premier League.
The signing of Mark McGuiness from Cardiff City for a reported fee of £10m is the big one and the arrival of Liam Walsh will certainly bolster the squad, but they’ll have to be wary about potential departures leaving as well.
Luton boss Rob Edwards is not expecting any more Hatters stars to exit Kenilworth Road this summer.
Edwards said to Luton Live: “I’ve not got a crystal ball, so I don’t know if a big offer comes in for someone, and we feel it’s the right thing for the players and the football club. I don’t know that, so that’s a little bit out of our control.
“As far as where we’re at right now and where we stand, probably (no more exits), but we’ll see what we get in and if there’s someone who we feel is right to go on loan and get some football, then we can have a look at that as well. I don’t think there’ll be any permanents going out unless it’s a lot of money, and it’s something we feel we can improve on.”
Despite this claim made, here are two players who Luton must consider if there are a few exits from the Hatters.
Standard Liege’s Nathan Ngoy is a player on Luton’s radar.
The Belgian defender has interest from the Hatters, with a fee of €5 million (£4.25 million) being negotiated as reported by journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Personal terms shouldn’t be an issue as Luton are keen to bolster their backline with injuries to Mads Andersen, Reece Burke Daiki Hashioka, and, of course, Tom Lockyer, who is still out of action due to health issues despite returning to training recently.
Ngoy should be well suited to playing in Luton’s back three after playing in that system for Belgian outfit Standard Liege while his athleticism suits what the club look for at centre-back.
Cameron Pring
A long shot potentially, but Bristol City defender Cameron Pring could be a player Luton look at.
Although Edwards is hopeful no more players will be leaving this summer, Alfie Doughty rumours have arisen in the past few days.
Alan Nixon has reported that the Hatters are after £15 million should a bid come in, and with interest from Premier League sides, that could be a possibility leading up to the deadline.
It would be a huge loss to see Doughty and his creativity go so a replacement would be needed, which could see them turn to Pring.
He was brilliant for the Robins last season, playing at left-back and at times left wing-back, which would suit Luton if Doughty were to depart.