Former Wanderers target Baccus joins League One newcomers

Former Wanderers target Keanu Baccus has joined League One newcomers Mansfield on a two-year deal from St Mirren.

The Australian international was on the verge of joining the Whites last summer after a fee of around £250,000 had been agreed, but the transfer broke down at a late stage.

Baccus could now come up against Bolton next season after the Stags clinched automatic promotion from the fourth tier, finishing third in the table.

Manager Nigel Clough told the club website: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Keanu has agreed to join us.

“He had plenty of suitors, in League One especially, when it was known that he wanted to play in England and we’ve managed to persuade him to come and join us.

“He has much potential, is at a good age and we think he plays in the manner which we like - on the front foot and he’s good at winning the ball back.”

Baccus began his career at Western Sydney Wanderers and spent six years there before heading to Scotland to sign for St Mirren.

The midfielder’s performances north of the border earned a first call-up to the Australia squad and he went on to represent his country in all four of their fixtures at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Last summer, he told Australian site FTBL: “I always want to do my best to progress and get towards that dream of mine to one day play in the EPL.

“There was a chance there to perhaps take another step in that direction but it wasn’t meant to be in the end and it didn’t work out.

“There was a bit of personal reasons why it didn’t happen and I also spoke to my club here and it felt like there was a bit of unfinished business.

“The move didn’t really go too smoothly and I’ve learned from situations in the past when things go smoothly, that’s where you’re meant to be and vice versa.

“Nothing against Bolton at all but I’ve learned when a team really wants you, they’ll do most things to make it happen.

“We’ll see what the future holds and I’m sure the right opportunity will present itself at some stage.”