League Two side Walsall are set to make their first signing of transfer deadline day with the loan arrival of Stockport County defender Jid Okeke.
The 20-year-old German-born player has featured twice for the Hatters this season in the Carabao Cup.
Mat Sadler’s side have started well in sixth place and have agreed on a move for Okeke, as reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Walsall agree loan move for League One defender
After defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-off final last season, the Saddlers have regrouped well and started strongly with four wins in six games.
However, they have recently received interest in wing-back Connor Barrett from Championship and League One outfits Charlton Athletic, Stockport County and Peterborough United.
The 23-year-old former Leicester City and Burnley academy player only moved to the Bescot Stadium last summer from AFC Fylde but excelled in his first season in the EFL.
He made 53 appearances in all competitions and was named in the division’s Team of the Season, alongside teammate Taylor Allen.
After scoring his first two goals for the club at the start of the season, interest has grown, leading the Saddlers to target Okeke as his replacement.
The former St Pauli youth player spent time with South Shields and Rochdale last year, playing 19 times in the National League North and National League.
The youngster is versatile and capable of playing in either wing-back role, as shown by playing on the left in Stockport’s cup defeat to Wigan Athletic recently.
Good move for Okeke’s development
A season on loan at Walsall would be extremely beneficial to Okeke’s career.
Despite limited appearances in non-league last season, he impressed Stockport boss Dave Challinor enough to be given two games in the cup this year, so he clearly has the quality needed for League Two.
The Saddlers have also proven to be an excellent development home for up-and-coming players in recent years, with the likes of Nathan Lowe, Taylor Allen, Nathan Asiimwe and potentially now Barrett all moving up the divisions in the last year.
If Okeke’s move is confirmed today, he would compete with fellow young prospect Rico Browne for the starting role under Sadlers, although the former would be expected to become first-choice if Barrett departs.