Football Insider are reporting the Imps are locked in a battle with Oxford United, but not for a play-off place. Instead, they’re suggesting we’re both wanting to sign Dunfermline defender Josh Edwards this summer.
It’s a reminiscence of a couple of seasons ago, when we were being linked with a move for a player called Josh Bowler, who was also a target for our play-off rivals at the time, Blackpool. Perhaps we are after the player, or perhaps suggesting an off-field fight between two clubs battling on the field is a news story that gets clicks. Who knows? For the record, Blackpool did sign Bowler.
Edwards is a 23-year-old wing back, who was the subject of a bid by Barnsley over the winter, one that was firmly rejected. That was reported to be ‘six figures‘ which is the figure being touted once again. Indeed, Football Insider suggests suitors, us included, believe £100,000 should be enough to sign a player who currently plies his trade in Scotland’s second tier.
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The left-sided player began his career with Airdrie, penning a deal at East End Park in 2019 for an undisclosed fee. He suffered relegation with the club in 2021/22 but helped his side bounce back at the first time of asking, earning himself a place in the League One Team of the Season at the same time. This season, he has appeared 44 times in all competitions, scoring three goals.
According to Wyscout’s player index, Edwards is the best wide defender in the division this season, despite his team being fifth and just outside the play-offs. He’s second in the division for defensive duels (235), fourth for interceptions (193), and third for cross from the left flank. Those performances have clearly caught the eye of us and Oxford, with Barnsley likely to reignite their interest, should the player now become available.
It’s likely they felt promotion to the top flight was possible in the winter – they were only four points outside the play-offs when Barnsley made their bid, but also only four points off the relegation spots. It was a big risk to lose a key player then, with the move coming around the deadline, and they clearly decided it was better to stick than to twist. In the summer, the playing field looks a bit different.
He turns 24 in May, and the club has an option on his current deal, meaning he can stay with them, should they wish. However, when that contract is up, he will be a free agent; could they seek to cash in now rather than losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time?