Graeme Jones is yet to see Maidstone United’s highly-rated Saidou Khan, but has hinted the midfielder could be one for the future, though Championship experience remains his priority this challenging transfer window.
Chief recruitment officer Mick Harford was at the Stones’ 1-1 National League South draw with Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday night, when the 24-year-old made his return from injury.
Former Hatters boss John Still, who is the Kent club’s head of football, has said there is a lot of interest from a number of clubs in Khan.
Asked if there is interest in the player, Jones said: “I haven’t seen him yet. Mick and Kevin Reeves watch many, many games, including Maidstone.
“I can tell you that they range from the Premier League down to non-league, so we’re working hard behind the scenes to try to improve things and that won’t stop.
“Ideally, I think we need Championship experience now and I’ve made that quite clear. My thoughts on that won’t change but obviously, there’s a long-term future and planning for Luton Town Football Club that I’m part of and you have to consider everything.”
However, it is looking unlikely that Town will make their first signing of this month before Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off at Nottingham Forest.
“Everbody’s working really, really hard behind the scenes, to try to improve things, but we’ve got nothing imminent,” said Jones.
“We’re in the Championship now and it doesn’t stop us from trying to get the right kind of player in for Luton Town, irrespective of leagues.
“We’ve been working towards that this week and we’ll continue to work towards it.”
Asked if it has been a frustrated month in the market, the Hatters boss said: “Everybody knows I wanted to get a couple through the door because I feel like the group need a real lift in terms of help and energy.
“It hasn’t happened. It isn’t for the want of trying. That doesn’t mean to say it’s not going to happen. We’re still trying and it’s challenging, as you know.
“I prefer to concentrate on the players we have got because they’re definitely here. Izzy Brown, Martin Cranie, Dan Potts, Danny Hylton, Callum McManaman, are people that we need fit in order to be as competitive as we can be with what we’ve got.
“I don’t waste a lot of energy on ifs, buts and maybes, I’d rather deal with certainties and I’m pleased with their progress.”
Today, Town loaned Josh Neufville to Woking for a month.
The 18-year-old has already spent time out on loan this campaign at Non-League Solihull Moors, making 13 appearances.
He made his debut for the Hatters last season in the EFL Trophy, playing three times in the competition, before making his only appearance for the club of this campaign in our Carabao Cup game against Ipswich Town.
