Peterborough United step up search for new centre-back, early Exeter City team news, a likely postponement and a strong side for Under 21 League opener
Posh are keen to get a new defender before the transfer window shuts at 11pm on Friday, August 30. It could be a permanent signing, although loan deals are also being considered.
Posh believe they have enough strength in midfield areas with the return of captain Hector Kyprianou from injury at Exeter City on Saturday. It’s thought Ryan De Havilland will only miss four more League One matches as Posh expect the scheduled fixture at Leyton Orient on September 7 will be postponed because of international call-ups. Kyprianou is now a regular in the Cyprus squad, while Sam Curtis (Republic of Ireland), George Nevett (England) and Chris Conn-Clarke (Northern Ireland) could also receive senior international or age group selections.
Posh are still waiting to hear from Manchester City re wage payments to Mo Susoho now that the teenager’s loan at London Road has ended because of injury, but manager Darren Ferguson believes there is space in the salary cap to allow the arrival of a centre-back. A new signing is not now dependent on Posh getting rid of transfer-listed players David Ajiboye, Romoney Crichlow and Kabongo Tshimanga.
“We’re trying to get a centre-back in and we’re mindful we only have 10 days or so left of the transfer window,” Ferguson said. “Loans from Premier League clubs are tricky right now, but we won’t necessarily be loaning a player. We will see what pans out, but it’s doubtful there will be anyone new in the building before the weekend. It’s not dependent on players leaving though. There has been interest in Kabongo, but he wants to stay in the League which is his prerogative, and David, but there hasn’t been much on Romoney.
“We’re not going after a new midfielder. We feel we have enough in there at the moment as Hector is looking very strong and Donay O’Brien-Brady has been impressive. Ryan will probably only miss four League One games because of the international break so we will son have four in there and five if we get Mo back in January which we hope to do. We expect the Orient game to be off as they also have internationals. They may as well call the whole League One programme off on international weekends these days.”
