Northampton Town: Stoke City situation could give Kevin Nolan firepower he needs | OneFootball

Loan for striker could work for both parties.

Northampton Town are in need of fresh attacking options as the January transfer window nears its business end.

Midfielder Liam Shaw remains Kevin Nolan's only signing since he took over the club and has been a hit so far, after joining from League Two Fleetwood Town in the opening days of the window.

Northampton are in desperate need of different options up top, with Tom Eaves currently the only fully fit senior option up front.

Stoke City's Emre Tezgel could be an excellent signing for Northampton

19-year-old forward Emre Tezgel has been on the fringes of the Potters' squad this season, but has yet to leap into a starring role in Staffordshire.

The former England under-17 international has been touted for success from a young age, starring throughout his time with the Stoke and England youth setups.

Stoke fended off Premier League interest in Tezgel in 2022, when he signed a three-year professional deal with the club, but time is ticking for the prodigy to forge a career in senior football and a loan move to League One Northampton could be his next step.

Tezgel spent the second half of last campaign on loan at MK Dons, contributing to six goals in 17 appearances. He has turned out 14 times for the Potters this season, but most of those are from off the bench.

Stoke have recalled red-hot forward Nathan Lowe from his spell at Walsall already this window, which could restrict Tezgel's opportunities further, especially after Lowe scored in his first game back at the club.

Northampton are desperate for pace up front and a move for Tezgel would add a new dimension to Nolan's attacking ranks. A move to the club could also aid the development of the 19-year-old, who would be afforded the opportunity for regular game time with the League One club.

Tezgel could follow in footsteps of successful Northampton loanees

In recent years, Cobblers have a fantastic track record of developing young players; Marc Leonard, Kieron Bowie and Kion Etete are all beneficiaries of loan spells at Sixfields.

Despite a recent change in management, new boss Nolan is well versed with young players, having taken up an interim assistant head coach role with England under-20s between his spells at West Ham and Northampton.

Nolan's new regime at Northampton places much emphasis on players expressing themselves on the pitch, much like he did in his own playing career, which could certainly benefit the youngster.

Tezgel would also experience playing under the pressure that Northampton currently find themselves under as they remain locked in a dogfight at the bottom of the table, an experience which could help Tezgel's transition into the senior game.

Nolan, alongside his recruitment committee, are without doubt working hard on deals to bring new players to the club, although it is clear that Cobblers lack effective numbers and different options upfield and must move for a striker like Tezgel or, failing that, someone of a similar profile.