Lincoln City Join Race For Premier League Defender

Lincoln City have joined two additional League One sides in the race to sign Southampton defender Lewis Payne on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.

The 20-year-old has recently returned to St. Mary’s following a loan spell with League Two side Newport County and looks destined for a move into League One.

Michael Skubala’s side lost full-back Lasse Sorensen to Huddersfield Town for an undisclosed fee earlier this week, with Payne potentially being lined up as a replacement for the Imps.

How did Payne fair last season?

Upon signing for Newport County last summer, Payne made a total of 41 appearances in all competitions for the Welsh side, scoring twice including one against Forest Green Rovers.

He also managed to provide five additional assists for Newport, taking his total contribution to seven.

In terms of his in-depth statistics, Payne also managed an average of 3.2 ball recoveries, 1.4 clearances and 3.4 duel wins per 90 minutes in Wales as well as contributing to a handful of clean sheets.

Who else is interested in signing him?

Although Lincoln City have their eyes on Payne, they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 20-year-old as League One duo Exeter City and Bristol Rovers have also joined the race to land him according to Football Insider.

Exeter have lost versatile defender Zak Jules to Rotherham whilst Bristol Rovers missed out on Josh Edwards to Charlton Athletic, creating a motive for both of their respective interests in the young full-back.

Would this be a good move for Lincoln?

Lincoln City may have gained a fee for the transfer of Lasse Sorensen, but they aren’t a club that often spends money on players, instead opting to develop younger loanees or free agents.

Payne has experience in the National League with Eastleigh as well as spending last season with Newport County in League Two.

This exposure to regular first-team football will have given the defender confidence, motivation and improved qualities which he could take into his next move, whether that’s Lincoln, Exeter or Bristol Rovers.