MK Dons on transfer deadline day: Dons’ business is done and dusted
Get the latest below.
MK Dons on transfer deadline day
Key Events
- Liam Manning wants a busy day
- Villa youngster joins on loan
- Man City midfielder’s move confirmed
- Kioso and Robson unlikely to return
Sweeting on Smith’s signing
On the signing of Matt Smith, Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: "We have admired Matt from a far for a long time, with our recruitment team exploring opportunities to sign him on several occasions.
"Matt has excellent pedigree having been signed by Man City at a young age and has developed into a senior Wales International. He will bring control, creativity and a strong understanding of the way we want the team to function.
"The deal has aligned perfectly this time to become a permanent move and is a great fit for both us as a club and where Matt is with his career. He has committed to us for the long term, and I look forward to working with him on this next chapter."
Smith on Dons move
Matt Smith said it was time for him to move out from under the Man City umbrella to get the best out of his career, so when a move to MK Dons came about, he jumped at the chance.
"It was time for me to move on away from City and I don’t think I could have found a better club to join,” he said. “The facilities here are fantastic and the players and staff seem fantastic too. There is a real project going on here and I wanted to be a part of that.
"We’ve got a quality squad who have done really well this season – hopefully I can add to that and help the team achieve its goals."
Don Deal! Smith joins MK Dons
The Manchester City midfielder swaps the Etihad for Stadium MK on a permanent deal.
Find out more about Dons’ latest signing
Smith still linked with Dons move
Plenty of sources now think MK Dons’ move for Manchester City’s Matt Smith is on the cards, with Hull Live and the Manchester Evening News reporting he is set to sign for Liam Manning’s side.
Smith was highly thought of at Doncaster Rovers last season, who were disappointed to lose him after his loan spell at the Keepmoat Stadium.
What else is happening?
A few other deals have gone through in League One in the last few hours:
- Hayden Coulson has returned to Middlesbrough after a loan spell at Ipswich Town, who have in turn signed Hemel Hempstead keeper Nick Hayes
- Cambridge United have signed Lorent Tolaj on loan from Brighton
- Winger Dylan Connolly has joined Morecambe from Northampton Town
- Marcus Browne has signed for Oxford United from Middlesbrough
Premier League putting their trust in MK Dons
Dons’ head coach Liam Manning said the signing of Kaine Kesler is another example of Premier League sides trusting the club with their young prospects. Troy Parrott (Tottenham), Jamie Cumming (Chelsea), Conor Coventry (West Ham) and Theo Corbeanu (Wolves) are all also on loan from the top flight.
Liam ManningThis is another example of a Premier League club entrusting us with the development of one of their young players. We are grateful to Aston Villa for allowing Kaine to continue his journey here at MK Dons.
Kesler was on Dons’ watch-list for a long time before signing
Kesler was on Dons’ radar for a while before signing from Villa
“Kaine is someone we have tracked for a long time following his quick progression through Aston Villa’s academy”
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting spoke highly of Kaine Kesler, saying he has been on Dons’ radar for a while
Hear from the new signing!
Speaking about his move to MK Dons, Kesler said: "I’m delighted to be here. It was time for me to take the next step in my development and when I heard MK Dons were interested, my head was turned."
"The style of play was a massive draw for me. I’ve been brought up on this style of football at Aston Villa so it suits me perfectly."