Exclusive: Lincoln City agree deadline-beating deal to sign Bristol Rovers player | OneFootball

Kamil Conteh looks to be heading to the League One promotion-chasers

Lincoln City have agreed a deal to sign Kamil Conteh on loan from League Two outfit Bristol Rovers, Football League World understands.

An EFL deal sheet has been signed to push through the move, which gives Lincoln until 9pm to finalise the deal as opposed to a strict 7pm deadline.

The 23-year-old, who spent time in the youth systems of Crystal Palace and Watford, joined the Gas back in January 2024 from Grimsby Town for around £300,000.

An 11-cap Sierra Leone international, Conteh featured for Bristol Rovers regularly in League One for nearly a year – with 36 games of third-tier experience under his belt – but missed the second half of the 2024-25 season due to a knee injury.

This term, he has continued to be a regular, making 34 appearances in all competitions. He made his 150th appearance in club football at just 23 in Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Barnet in December.

Conteh was playing non-league football just three years ago, having loan stints at Gateshead and Braintree Town.

Other League One clubs registered an interest in the midfielder during the window, with permanent and loan moves explored.

The switch marks a considerable opportunity for Conteh to showcase himself at the top of League One, with less than 18 months remaining on his Bristol Rovers contract.

Kamil Conteh set to be Lincoln City's fifth summer signing

Conteh is set to become Lincoln's fifth new signing of the winter window. Should the move go ahead, his first match will be against Plymouth Argyle, who tried to sign him in the Championship last season before his injury.

The Imps are flying in League One this season under Michael Skubala, second in the table and six points clear in the automatic promotion places.

City have been active in the January window, moving early to sign Irish defender Josh Honohan from Shamrock Rovers.

Defender Deji Elerewe was signed from League Two leaders Bromley to provide depth at centre-back.

While attacking loanees Ryan Oné and Alfie Lloy joined from Sheffield United and QPR respectively, as Lincoln look to challenge League One leaders Cardiff and secure promotion to the Championship.