The Hatters ruled out a loan move for Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson because there was no opportunity of buying him, boss Nathan Jones has said.
The attacking midfielder was first linked with Luton over a year ago and then again in the summer, but an injury prevented the club progressing with their interest.
Jones has spoken previously of his admiration for Anderson and reports on Tyneside suggested Kenilworth Road would be his destination.
But by transfer deadline day, Town had moved on to the pursuit of Sheffield United’s Luke Freeman, though finances prevented that loan switch.
The Newcastle youngster has since joined League Two outfit Bristol Rovers until the end of the season.
Jones said: “We’re an admirer of Elliot Anderson, but what we need to bring in now was someone that was going to improve our 11, and with the greatest of respect, Elliot hasn’t gone out yet (on loan) and, over time he might have, but we just needed a little push.
“So, we could have have had a look at him, but if there’s no opportunity of us ever buying him then it’s very difficult bringing him in on loan.
“I’m delighted for him, he’s a great kid, I got to speak to him a few times, with the permission of Newcastle.
“Great kid, wants to play football, will do very, very well I know and will do really well at Bristol. He’s someone that we liked, but probably wasn’t right in this window, that’s all.”
