AFC Wimbledon are set to lose defensive depth as they are set to lose Riley Harbottle to League Two strugglers Bristol Rovers.
Despite being a semi-regular as part of the Dons’ campaign, which led to League Two playoff glory, the 25-year-old has found himself further and further on the fringes this season, making just four starts in League One so far.
However, Johnnie Jackson is set to lose the former Mansfield Town man, with Bristol Rovers making two moves ahead of their clash against Colchester United this weekend.
Evans Revolution Continues
According to Bristol Live, the Gas will be joined by both Riley Harbottle and Milton Keynes Dons‘ Kane Thompson-Sommers at the Memorial Stadium, as Rovers look to steer well clear of a relegation battle.
Both have undergone a medical today, with Harbottle making a permanent switch to Rovers, while midfielder Thompson-Sommers joins for the remainder of the season.
The former FC Halifax Town man heads to Bristol in the wake of the exit of Bryan Bilongo, who joined National League side Rochdale permanently yesterday.
Harbottle, meanwhile, arrives after Kacper Lopata was sent back to Barnsley, with the Polish defender now at Walsall.
Seven players have left the Pirates since the opening of the January window, which left manager Steve Evans without a full bench during their EFL Trophy knockout clash against Plymouth Argyle.
More names are expected to arrive ahead of the deadline, with previous reports suggesting that Wrexham youngster Harry Ashfield is also a key target to move to the South West.
Strong Options Arrive
This double move for Bristol Rovers will do wonders to add depth to the squad at a time when they have a paper-thin squad to choose from.
Steve Evans has been tasked with a major overhaul this January, which has seen five loan moves end in order to facilitate a return for Isaac Hutchinson and the permanent signing of Ryan De Haviland.
Now, the former Stevenage boss has looked at the defensive half of his side, signing a good League Two-level defender with promotion experience in Riley Harbottle, and Kane Thompson-Sommers as he struggles to find a place in MK Dons’ plans under Paul Warne.
Both will certainly strengthen the quality of the Gas, and combined with the existing options in players like Kamil Conteh and Alfie Kilgour, should provide stability at the back of a side that has lost the joint-most games of any League Two side.
For AFC Wimbledon, they now have a choice whether to replace Harbottle, with five senior centre-back options within the squad ahead of their clash against Doncaster Rovers.