Leyton Orient and Burton Albion are among the clubs tracking Dunfermline defender Kieran Ngwenya ahead of a potential summer move, according to Pete O’Rourke.
The 23-year-old has impressed in Scotland this season, but is also a target for Motherwell, currently hunting a European spot in the SPFL. The Malawian international is out of contract at the end of the campaign, making him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen without paying a fee.
Ngwenya, who previously came through at Aberdeen, has featured regularly for Dunfermline since joining in 2024. While his league appearances this season have been limited to 13 so far, he has still played a role in a side that continues to exceed expectations both in the league and cup competitions.
Dunfermline currently sit fourth in the Scottish Championship and look well placed to secure a play-off spot, holding a healthy gap to those below them. Their campaign also includes a notable run to the Scottish Cup semi-finals, where they will face Falkirk at Hampden Park, a stage reached after overcoming Aberdeen earlier in the competition.
Competition for signature likely
Motherwell are credited with monitoring the situation, and their status as a Premiership side could prove significant. With the Well pushing towards potential European qualification places, they may be able to offer a different level of opportunity compared to their League One rivals.
That said, both Orient and Burton Albion have reasons to believe they can compete. Game time is likely to be a key factor in Ngwenya’s decision, and the chance to become a regular starter in England could carry weight, particularly if he sees a clearer pathway than at a more established top-flight club.
The interest ties into what is shaping up to be a pivotal summer for Orient. Richie Wellens has endured a difficult campaign, with the O’s dragged into a relegation battle despite higher expectations at the start of the season. Squad turnover looks inevitable, again, after high churn from their play-off campaign last season.
Burton are also fighting their own battles at the foot of the table and will also need to rebuild, regardless of which division they find themselves in next season. A player like Ngwenya, young but with experience in both England and Scotland, fits the profile of someone who could grow with a team under the right circumstances.
Of course, it is Pete O’Rourke, and a transfer window is coming up, so it could also very much be agent talk trying to drum up some interest.