As reported by The Chronicle, Preston, Luton, Birmingham, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday are all pushing to sign Elliot Anderson on loan for the remainder of the season.
Preston and Luton are currently inside the Championship’s top 10, with the Owls – who we’re due to face in the FA Cup on Saturday – sat second in League One.
Birmingham have utilised the Premier League loan market well in recent years – Man Utd’s Hannibal Mejbri followed Tahith Chong to St Andrews over the summer – while Reading have former Mag Andy Carroll and Toon loanee Jeff Hendrick on their books.
Following a stunning spell in League Two with Bristol Rovers this time last year, the 20-year-old was expected to be part of Eddie Howe’s plans for the upcoming campaign.
However, after just 96 minutes of Premier League football via eight substitute appearances and two Carabao Cup starts against Tranmere and Crystal Palace, Howe must decide whether to send Anderson back out on loan for some much needed first-team football.
It remains to be seen if the Toon boss will sanction another temporary move away for the Geordie talent. Who knows, perhaps he’ll be assessed in Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Hillsborough before we decide on his next steps?
With Jonjo Shelvey injured and Joe Willock limping off at Arsenal, I wouldn’t be surprised if we only let him go if and when another midfielder signs at St James’ Park this month.
