Jack Wilshere would not be drawn on reports of a transfer swoop for a Manchester United youth player, but has ruled out rumours linking Luton with a long-term target.
Prior to Town losing 2-0 to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last night, they sold George Saville to League One rivals Bromley, which has further reduced their central midfield options after the injuries to Jordan Clark (broken jaw) and Jayden Luker (hamstring), while Sverre Sandal was not included in the cup squad after picking up a knock.
Also prior to kick-off at Stamford Bridge, reports emerged that the Hatters were closing in on a loan deal for highly-rated Manchester United midfielder Dan Gore.
Asked if there was anything in that story, Wilshere asked: “He was at Rotherham last year? He’s a Man United player, so I won’t get drawn into that.”
But the Town boss, who last week said he expects the final week of the transfer window to be busy, reiterated about the final days of trading: “I told you we’re not done.”
Asked by The Lutonian if central midfield is now his focus after the departure of Saville, he said: “If you was me, what would you do?”
“Look at central midfield,” was our reply and Wilshere joked: “I’m not that stupid! We’re looking. We’re not going to panic. It has to be right.
“We’ve had opportunities to do it. We’ve looked at players and, yeah, we have to pick the right one. They have to improve us and we’ll do that. I have faith.”
Reports this week also emerged of renewed interest from Luton in Barnsley’s central midfielder Luca Connell.
The Hatters were linked with the Tykes player last season and asked if there is anything in the latest rumours, Wilshere saiid: “No.”
Speaking about Saville’s move to Bromley, Wilshere said: “I like George. I’ve got massive respect for George. It wasn’t always easy for him last season with the game time. But when he did come in, when he was called upon, he gave everything for the team.
“So, yeah, loads of respect for George and the career he’s had. [I’ve] been in constant conversations with him this summer and yeah, we felt it was best mutually — if he wants to play as much as he does — to move on. So yeah, I wish him nothing but good luck.”
Addressing Town’s reduced central midfield options with Saville now departed, and whether new signings must happen before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, the manager added: “I said all along we had a plan. And up to now we’ve executed everything we wanted to.
“So yeah, I’m confident. I’m happy for George [Saville] that he’s got the move and can go and play.
“We know we had a plan. We’re calm. We’ve always been looking, and the work — we’ve worked really hard this summer to identify, and we’ve also worked really hard to not panic in these situations.
“So we won’t be panicking, but we know what we need to do.”
Be the first to comment