Here we go, surely the first of many over the coming weeks. A potential Lasse Sorensen replacement has been linked with the Imps, courtesy of Football Insider.
The report suggests that we are in a battle with two other League One clubs for Southampton youngster Lewis Payne. The defender has been on loan at Newport County for the past season, impressing in his 31 league appearances. It is also worth noting that he played right-wing back for his previous club in a back five.
A young player, coming through at an academy in the Premier League, fits the profile we have looked for in the past. Tayo Edun came in from Fulham, Anthony Scully from West Ham, and of course, Lasse Sorensen from Stoke. However, it is being reported that this link is not for a permanent move but for a loan deal, as the 20-year-old still has a year left on his contract (so he can’t be the U-24 player we are trying to agree a fee for).
To evaluate the rumour, firstly it comes from Football Insider who are, reasonably, reliable. Although to echo one of Gary’s favourite terms when discussing rumours, it does fall foul of the ‘Rule of Three’ as we are not the only ones linked with a move as there is apparently a battle going on between ourselves, Exeter and Bristol Rovers.
Also, as alluded to in the introduction, following Tuesday’s news that Lasse has moved on to Huddersfield Town, it is expected that we will be linked with more right-sided defenders during this window. That is not unsubstantiated of course as we will need a player or two in that role to be brought in.
Overall, I struggle to fully get on board with this rumour at this stage. If it is only going to be a loan, then it would seem to go against our strategy over the past season, where we look for more permanent signings and the loans are only to fill gaps with first-team ready stars.