Exeter City striker Millenic Alli has completed a £1.5 million move to Championship strugglers Luton Town. The 24-year-old only joined the Grecians 12 months ago for an undisclosed fee from AFC Halifax Town and he has scored 16 goals in 43 appearances for the Grecians, including seven in his last nine games.

Alli scored both City goals in the 6-2 midweek mauling by Leyton Orient, City’s fifth defeat in their last seven League One fixtures, which now looks like being his final game in an Exeter shirt.

Grecians boss Gary Caldwell refused to comment on speculation at the Thursday press conference that the Dublin-born attacker was on his way to Kenilworth Road, but WMN Sport understands that the Grecians turned down a bid of £1.3 million for Alli before accepting a new, improved offer of £1.5 million.

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After the move on Thursday night was confirmed, Caldwell said: “We’re delighted for Milli. His journey from the National League to the Championship in 12 months with the club is a testament to our commitment to player progression, making Exeter City an attractive club for emerging talent.”

Joe Gorman, CEO of Exeter City Football Club, said: “Part of the club’s vision is to develop players from both inside and outside the Academy. Thanks to Gary and the football staff, we are increasingly recognised as a club which develops and transitions players to higher levels, something which is again evidenced by this sale.

“This significant sum will be reinvested back into the Club, to help fund first-team improvements, academy growth and overall club development. Selling players at the right time is a vital part of the club’s strategic long-term vision.”

Alli began his career with Bury and then moved to South Shields in 2019, having two spells with Workington. Stints at Ashton United and Stockport County followed, with another loan switch to Chorley in National League North, then joining National League side Halifax, as it was at the Shay where he started to show his goalscoring talents, scoring 11 times in his 37 games during the 2022-23 campaign, netting in five successive matches.

Another seven goals followed the next term, making it 16 in 54 matches, before moving to Exeter in January 2024. The Jatters are also said to be in the hunt for Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone and after having several bids rejected, they are believed to have gone back with a £7 million offer for the 21-year-old Ivory Coast youngster.

Meanwhile, the Grecians could be in line for a windfall from Matt Grimes’ move from Swansea City to Championship rivals Coventry City in a £4 million deal. The Swans announced today that they had accepted an offer from the Sky Blues and 29-year-old Grimes, who is captain of the South Wales club, has expressed a desire to move on.

Exeter Academy graduate Grimes left Exeter for Swansea in January 2015 in a £1.75 million deal after breaking through at St James Park and making 62 appearances. After loan spells with Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Northampton Town, Grimes went on to make 333 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals. As part of his transfer to South wales, the Grecians are thought to have negotiated a 10-per-cent sell-on clause as part of his transfer.

Meanwhile, the Exeter City Supporters Trust have released a statement saying there is no place for bad behaviour after some Trustees have been subjected to abuse from unhappy fans.

“Sadly, Trustees of the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust have been, in past few days, subject to abuse both during and after matches,” the statement read. “The Supporters’ Trust has guided the club through many years of growth both on and off the pitch.

“Trustees are volunteers who step up and give their time and energy to make a real difference to our club. They are as passionate and dedicated to our progress as any other supporter and take the responsibilities that are required seriously and diligently.

“Please continue to support everybody at the club, as we negotiate this difficult period. There is no place at Exeter City FC for this type of behaviour. We welcome your opinions, but we will not tolerate personal abuse.

“Please use this e-mail address enquiries@weownexetercityfc.co.uk to contact us and we will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.” et’s be Grecians together, not divided!”