“A long-term replacement” – Luton Town make approach for League One defender: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Luton Town have made an approach for Exeter City defender Josh Key, as per a report from Football Insider.

The report states that Swansea City have seen a bid rejected for the 24-year-old and the Hatters are now looking to swoop in and secure his services before tomorrow’s deadline.

Key has operated as a right-sided centre-back, right wing-back, central midfielder and a left winger in League One this season.

The Hatters have recently lost James Bree to Southampton and Key, who is a full-back by trade, is an option who like Bree, can provide defensive versatility, although Cody Drameh has already come in on loan.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts on the Exeter defender and whether or not he would be a good addition for the Championship play-off chasers…

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Billy Mulley

This would be a strong addition for the Hatters when looking longer-term and he could play an important enough role during what remains of this season if a deal can get done.

In losing Bree, Luton lost a creative wing-back but also someone who could fill in and do a steady job as a right-sided centre-back, with Key’s versatility certainly something that is desired by Rob Edwards.

The Hatters have successfully recruited from the lower leagues over the last few seasons and this seems like it could be another smart move from the Bedfordshire club.

With Drameh already driving at Kenilworth Road, this will provide Luton with something they have not had since Peter Kioso’s departure in the summer and that is competition in the right-wing-back position.

This would be good business for the Hatters.

Brett Worthington

This would be an exciting addition for Luton Town.

Josh Key has been a player who has been performing at a high level in the last few seasons for Exeter City. He is an exciting, attacking full back that would bring lots of energy and pace to Luton’s back line, with a positive threat.

During his time at Exeter, the 23-year-old has shown that he isn’t shy about getting forward, chipping in with goals and assists. Rob Edwards will be aware of what Key can bring to his side, having come up against the defender during his time in League Two with Forest Green Rovers.

The Hatters could do with adding a new, long-term, right back option between now and the deadline after James Bree departed the club. Key could be an answer to that problem, as he would be a long-term signing and there is plenty of development ahead of him.

Exeter will probably be reluctant to let Key leave this month, midway through the season, but if they get a suitable offer, it seems the right time for the 23-year-old to leave, as if he doesn’t depart now, he will definitely be a player wanted in this summer’s transfer window.

Declan Harte

With James Bree having departed, a long-term replacement will be needed given Cody Drameh has only arrived on loan.

Key’s contract is also set to expire at the end of the season meaning he could be available for a very reasonable figure.

This would be a shrewd move for a promising player who has performed excellently in League One this season.

The fullback is ready for the jump up and Luton could be an ideal next step in his career.