Notts County set to lose Dan Crowley to League Two rivals after confirming two new arrivals
Notts County are set to lose Dan Crowley to League Two rivals MK Dons shortly after confirming the arrivals of Charlie Whitaker and Zak Johnson. The latest reports from Football Insider say Crowley has undergone a medical on Tuesday ahead of a move to the Buckinghamshire club. At the same time, the Magpies have been active in bringing players the other way.
Crowley has been a key player for Notts since his arrival at the club at the start of last season. He has made 69 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals from midfield, and has contributed to ten goals in 18 league starts this term.
The 27-year-old has played all over since coming through Arsenal’s academy as a highly rated youth player. He previously suggested that he had found a more permanent home at Notts, but it seems he has been convinced to make the move to MK.
Crowley will undoubtedly be a big loss for County, but they have already made moves to try to replace him. Attacking midfielder Whitaker has left Everton’s academy to join them on a six-month deal. The club are not risking a long-term contract on the 21-year-old yet, perhaps in part due to the absence of senior experience, yet his record for the Toffees’ youth teams shows a player with high potential.
Notts’ transfer lead Richard Montague said: “Charlie is another young, high-potential player who we’ve been monitoring for some time. While we think he’s best suited to central attacking areas, he’s versatile and comfortable playing out wide.
"Charlie has demonstrated a genuine goal threat throughout his youth career and has the technical ability, pace and tenacity to be a real handful. The short-term nature of the deal suits all parties at this stage, and we’d like to thank Everton for their cooperation.”
Notts have also signed Sunderland defender Johnson on loan until the end of the season to help cover for the injuries of Lucas Ness and Lewis Macari, with the former out for the rest of the campaign. Unlike Whitaker, Johnson has had some senior football experience, with a handful of cup appearances for the Black Cats before and after loan spells at Hartlepool United and Dundalk.
Montague added: “With Lucas likely to miss the remainder of the season and Lewis facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines, it was important for us to add another defender to the squad to ensure we have adequate depth for the run-in.
“Zak is a highly promising player who, in addition to his appearances at Sunderland, has experience in senior football following strong loans in the National League with Hartlepool and in the League of Ireland with Dundalk.
“He’s a good size, athletic and comfortable on the ball, and we look forward to working with him."
Notts will be disappointed to lose a player of Crowley’s quality, but they are active in the market themselves this month as they look to prepare themselves best for a promotion push in the second half of the season.