Championship side Luton Town are set to make a decision over the future of their 22-year-old strikers after successful loan spells amidst interest from EFL clubs.
With the January transfer window open, clubs are now in the position to strengthen their squads going into the second half of the season, or to send their young stars out on loan to gain valuable experience in a first team environment.
Luton Town striker Aribim Pepple is one such player, who has enjoyed a successful loan spell this season at Southend United. His seven goals in 20 appearances in all competitions as drawn admirers from League Two clubs including promotion-hunting Chesterfield.
According to the Derbyshire Times, the promoted National League side are eyeing a move for the 22-year-old this January in an attempt to bolster their squad.
It also remains to be seen what the future holds for fellow 22-year-old striker Joe Taylor, who has had to settle for a set back in his career after gaining momentum at Lincoln City on loan last season.
Pepple on the move for Luton Town
Pepple has impressed this season, and Luton Town will be keen to continue that upwards trajectory by allowing him to step up a division mid-way through the season. Last year saw them follow a similar pathway for Joe Taylor who spent the first half of the season at Colchester United before moving to Lincoln City in the league above in the second half.
Pepple has been in good goalscoring form and will be hungry to prove himself in League Two, should he move this window. Goalscorers are at a premium on the market at the moment, especially with the season being well under way, so the opportunity to grab a young and hungry forward could prove pivotal in Chesterfield’s push for a play-off spot.
Joe Taylor’s Luton Town Misery
Joe Taylor on the other hand has had a difficult season. In the 23/24 campaign it felt like the only direction for the young star was up after impressing for the Imps and Colchester United. However, a move to Huddersfield Town fell down at the last minute which has left him seriously lacking gametime as well as losing the momentum he had gained last season.
Lincoln City director Jez George has already indicated that they have been priced out of a move with the likelihood of a permanent deal on the cards.
Speaking to the BBC he added:
“I think Joe has moved beyond us unless someone has three, four or five million pounds they want to drop into Lincoln City’s bank account in the next couple of days,”
“The truth is that ship has sailed – that is the reality. Luton are looking now at potentially maybe a permanent [move], and that would be a million miles out of our sphere in terms of what we could do in terms of transfer fee and wages.”
The departure of Rob Edwards could also be a difficult situation to navigate as any new manager is likely to want to check out his squad before making decisions. This could lead to Taylor being left in limbo until the end of the window.