New Alassana Jatta exit claim made at Notts County - "It wouldn't surprise me" | OneFootball

FLW's Notts County fan pundit has given his reaction to Alassana Jatta remaining at the club during the summer transfer window.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Despite strong speculation over his future, Notts County managed to keep hold of striker Alassana Jatta this summer.

Jatta joined Notts County from Viborg for a fee of £100,000 last January, and he scored 22 goals and provided four assists in 43 appearances in all competitions last season, but it was not enough to help his side to promotion from League Two.

The 26-year-old was reportedly the subject of a £750,000 bid from Plymouth Argyle back in January, and as FLW exclusively revealed, Bolton Wanderers were keeping tabs on him at the start of the summer transfer window, but a move did not materialise.

Jatta missed the start of the campaign through suspension after his red card in last season's play-off semi-final defeat to AFC Wimbledon before suffering a back injury that prolonged his absence, but after what head coach Martin Paterson described as a "really good conversation" between himself and the striker last week, he made his return as a substitute in the 2-1 victory at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

With the transfer window now closed, the Magpies will be able to hold onto Jatta for at least another few months, but as he is now in the final year of his contract at Meadow Lane, they may have a big decision to make over his future in January.

Notts County sent warning as potential Alassana Jatta exit looms in January

When asked for his reaction to Jatta remaining at Meadow Lane, FLW's Notts County fan pundit Gareth Parr insisted he was not surprised that the striker did not secure a move away this summer, but he warned the board to line up replacements in case he departs in the January transfer window.

"I'm not surprised Jatta is still there," Gareth told FLW.

"Obviously the owners were looking to have some sort of back-up in place before he left, but that didn't happen.

"There was some talk about his attitude, but it seems that Martin Paterson has had a decent conversation with him, and he's probably told him to get back on the pitch and be an advert for yourself.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he was to go in the January window, as long as Notts can bring in some back-up, of course.

"That striking role is still very lean in terms of squad depth and strength, so they would really need to look at strengthening that position because they need more than just one striker in the squad."

Matthew Dennis form may ease Notts County, Alassana Jatta concern

After a slow start to the season, Notts County have found some form under Paterson in recent weeks, picking up seven points from their last three games, and Jatta's return to action is a timely boost for the East Midlands outfit.

If Paterson can get Jatta fit and firing again, there is no doubt he could be a huge asset for the Magpies this season as they look to win promotion from League Two at the third attempt.

However, Matthew Dennis has already scored five goals in seven games for Notts since arriving on a free transfer from Carlisle United this summer, and given the 23-year-old's strong form, the club may be a little less concerned about the prospect of losing Jatta in January.