Ok, so there is no latest, not really, but this is the current state of play as I understand it.
This is an update of the very latest expected moves and happenings at the Bank today – some have been confirmed by Michael Hortin, and I’ve also had a few hispers coming my way as well.
One In
There’s very much the likelihood of one player coming in before the window closes. Michael Hortin has suggested that could be a Championship midfielder, and my understanding is the same. All signs would point to Blackpool man Matty Virtue, who we were linked with yesterday. Rumours of Alex Gilbey proved to be just that, and he’s now being linked with a move to Stevenage. Obviously, this is a good thing; the one player I said was essentially the start of the window was a Liam Bridcutt replacement and Virtue is that type of player. He has lots of experience at this level and started games for Blackpool in the Championship this season. However, it isn’t confirmed that is who it is, but we will wait and see.
One Out
There’s also talk of one out, and we’d expect that to be a loan. If you look at the areas we’re overloaded in, wide attackers is one, and central defence is another. Given Lewis Montsma is coming back from injury, and Joe Walsh is doing the same, I wouldn’t expect a defender to leave. Also, given Jay Benn’s recent outing in the EFL Trophy, I wouldn’t expect it to be him either. I imagine that if there’s a bid for Anthony Scully, which I’m told right now there isn’t, then he could be the one out. If not, then we have a lot of options out wide and in an attacking midfielder area, so I expect the departure to be in that part of the pitch.
No Striker
That’s right; it’s not smoke and mirrors, it’s not playing down a late link; we’re not signing a striker. Mark Kennedy has told LincSport that there’s no replacement for Kendall coming in, nor a big burly option for Hopper. “I personally feel we have the ability to cover that area of the pitch. I don’t like to look at one specific area, whether that is the 9, 7, or 11. In Jack Diamond, Danny Mandroiu, Jordon Garrick, Ben House they can all play as a winger or a 9.” That might not please some (me included), but there’s no missing out on a player, no 11th-hour move for someone you once had on Football Manager – we’re happy with our striking options.
Chris Maguire
Michael Hortin is reporting that Chris Maguire is close to agreeing a termination of his Imps deal, making him a free agent. He will then be able to find another club depending on the outcome of the current betting controversy he is embroiled in. That means everyone who felt his appearances in the early part of the season meant a comeback is wrong. Yes, Matthew Warr, yes, Dad, that means you. £10 each, thank you very much. It’s a rather disappointing end to his Lincoln career, which equally could be summed up as disappointing. More on that if (or rather when) it is confirmed by the club.
The Unknown
There are unknown elements today, but none of them are ones we’re heavily reliant on. For instance, there’s an outside chance that if a club move a player on (Blackpool and Josh Bowler), then they’ll have the funds available to go for Anthony Scully. If that happens, then the supposed loan out wouldn’t happen, you’d expect. Similarly, if someone comes in with a big bid for Regan Poole, that would mean a departure and, given our current defensive position, a likely loan player to cover Montsma and Walsh’s returns. However, these are ifs and buts, nothing more, and my understanding is neither occurrence is expected. That said, as the hours tick on, the unexpected can happen.
Just don’t, whatever you do, expect a striker because we’re not getting one.
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