MK Dons on transfer deadline day: Dons’ business is done and dusted

How many new faces will we see at Stadium MK today?How many new faces will we see at Stadium MK today?
How many new faces will we see at Stadium MK today? | Getty Images
MK Dons hope to be active in the transfer market today. Stick with us throughout the day to get the latest deadline day action!

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

Kesler was on Dons’ watch-list for a long time before signing

Sporting Director Liam Sweeting spoke highly of Kaine Kesler, saying he has been on Dons’ radar for a while

Hear from the new signing!

Kaine Kesler spent the first half of the season on loan with SwindonKaine Kesler spent the first half of the season on loan with Swindon
Kaine Kesler spent the first half of the season on loan with Swindon | Getty Images

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."

Kaine KeslerKaine Kesler
Kaine Kesler | Getty Images

Kaine Kesler has become MK Dons’ first signing of deadline day, completing his loan move from Aston Villa.

Find out a bit more about the defender below

Wonder who that could be...

We have lift-off, with MK Dons preparing to announce their first deal of deadline day

Mixed reports coming out about the fee for Dele Alli. Some claiming £30-40m, others saying a free transfer, with cash to be parted with after a certain number of games

Another potential sell-on fee incoming

We’ve all spoken about it in the past, but Dele Alli’s sell-on clause may land Dons a bit of cash if he completes a move to Everton, as expected from Tottenham.

The midfielder was of course a January deadline day signing for Spurs back in 2015 before being loaned back to MK Dons for the remainder of the season where he helped the club secure promotion to the Championship.

No announcements made... yet

Tick tock, tick tock...Tick tock, tick tock...
Tick tock, tick tock... | Getty Images

Still nothing concrete in terms of deals done at Stadium MK yet, still rumbling away in the background as we’re told.

First business is hoped to be done in the late afternoon/early evening, with deals looking to get done right up until the 11pm deadline.

A managerial change in League One

Not a transfer, but elsewhere in League One, Gillingham have confirmed Neil Harris as their manager after Steve Evans left the club earlier this month.

As reported earlier...

Scott Fraser’s move to Charlton has been confirmed!

What do MK Dons need today?

We asked earlier this morning what you thought MK Dons needed to add to their ranks this afternoon, and somewhat surprisingly, precious few people said “WE NEED A STRIKER!!” which makes a refreshing change, doesn’t it!

For the most part, you thought Dons needed to add in midfield, especially after David Kasumu went down injured, Matt O’Riley was sold to Celtic and Ethan Robson was recalled by Blackpool. From having a wealth of back-up, Dons now suddenly look very light in the centre of the park, especially with Josh McEachran limping out on Saturday against Wycombe. This is where Man City’s Matt Smith could come in very handy if Dons can get it over the line.

A new wing-back was also high up the list, where Dons have been light all season long. Peter Kioso’s recall to Luton hasn’t helped that, leaving just Tennai Watson and Daniel Harvie as viable options on either flank. Signing Kaine Kesler Hayden from Villa could very well fill that gap up.

Another spot Dons need filling is at centre back and that was plain to see when Harry Darling missed three games this month, forcing Liam Manning to have to go to a back four rather than a three with WBs which we’ve seen all season long. The departure of Zak Jules on loan and injury to Aden Baldwin has made them light in that area too.

Hayden Roberts has been on loan at Rochdale this seasonHayden Roberts has been on loan at Rochdale this season
Hayden Roberts has been on loan at Rochdale this season | Getty Images

More rumours this lunchtime: Hayden Roberts to MK Dons? The Brighton defender has apparently spiked interest from the Liams at MK1 and Mr Robinson over at Oxford, but from what we understand, there is no interest from Dons’ side of things.

Deals for Smith and Kesler Hayden more likely, though.

A look back at the previous deadline day signings

With not a lot of actual action going on as yet, here’s a look back at some of Dons’ previous January transfer window deadline day signings!

Are West Ham targeting former Dons striker?

Rhys Healey netted 21 goals in 41 games for MK Dons, and his form for Toulouse has attracted attention from West HamRhys Healey netted 21 goals in 41 games for MK Dons, and his form for Toulouse has attracted attention from West Ham
Rhys Healey netted 21 goals in 41 games for MK Dons, and his form for Toulouse has attracted attention from West Ham | jpi

He’s been on fire at Toulouse, so naturally, Rhys Healey has attracted a lot of attention and could be returning to England with Premier League West Ham.

Healey has scored a remarkable 30 goals in 58 games over the Channel, having scored 21 in 41 during his time at MK Dons before that.

Like the earlier mentioned Fraser deal, Dons would be set for a cut of the profits should he make the move from Toulouse.

Meanwhile up in Sunderland

Lose 6-0 on Saturday, sack the manager on Sunday, re-sign Jermaine Defoe on Monday?!

Villa youngster tipped for loan move

Kaine Kesler Hayden, pictured here during his loan spell at Swindon last season, may be making a loan move to MK DonsKaine Kesler Hayden, pictured here during his loan spell at Swindon last season, may be making a loan move to MK Dons
Kaine Kesler Hayden, pictured here during his loan spell at Swindon last season, may be making a loan move to MK Dons | Getty Images

Aston Villa full-back Kaine Kesler Hayden has been tipped to make a loan move to MK Dons later today. The 19-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at League Two Swindon Town where he made 21 outings for the Robins.

Recalled to Steven Gerrard’s squad earlier this month, reports have linked him with a move to Dons on loan.

Man City academy product linked with Dons move

Manchester City’s Matt Smith has been linked with a move to MK DonsManchester City’s Matt Smith has been linked with a move to MK Dons
Manchester City’s Matt Smith has been linked with a move to MK Dons | Getty Images

Midfielder Matt Smith has been linked with a move to MK Dons from Manchester City. The 22-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Championship side Hull City but has only made 10 appearances in all competitions.

A regular for Doncaster Rovers while on loan there last season, Smith has also had loan spells with Charlton and QPR.

The move is likely to be a permanent one, with Dons having only one loan spot left in their squad.

Former Dons midfielder on the move?

Scott Fraser looks set to join Charlton todayScott Fraser looks set to join Charlton today
Scott Fraser looks set to join Charlton today | Getty Images

Scott Fraser’s time at Ipswich Town seems to be at an end already after reports the Tractorboys have accepted a bid from Charlton for his services.

Fraser left Stadium MK in the summer after a single season at the club, but now looks set to join former Dons Alex Gilbey and Chuks Aneke - who also returned to Charlton this month - at The Valley.

It is understood Dons will be in for a cut of any profit Ipswich make on Fraser, who left for around £400,000.

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