MK Dons were back in pre-season training this week, eager to begin life as a League one club once again after a one-year absence.
The new signings were there, meeting up with the likes of Kieran Agard who pledged his future to the club recently. However, one player has not turned up and it seems he’s now set for an exit.
Miltonkeynes.co.uk report that former Arsenal trainee Chuks Aneke has not come back as planned and, with his contract set to expire this week, the chance of him being seen again in a Dons shirt is dimming by the day.
He’s been linked with Sheffield Wednesday, QPR and Hull by Team Talk, moves that have yet to materialise.
Manager Paul Tisdale hasn’t completely ruled out a return to action, but it’s looking unlikely by the former Exeter boss’ own admission.
“Never say never,” said Tisdale. “We haven’t made all our signings. I’m fond of him, he’s a good footballer, he can score goals – why would I close the door? But the longer it goes on, the less likely it is. But we’re out there looking for our alternatives also. We’re both entitled to do it.
“We made him a good offer, a really good offer earlier in the year. He had a really good attitude, he did everything we asked of him, he played well, contributed to promotion. I can take no umbrage with someone who has contributed to our success.
“His contract ends this month, and he’s looking at his options and I don’t blame him. He’s a very talented player.”
Aneke joined the Dons after spells with Zulte Waregem and Crewe Alexandra. He played a key role in their rise up the League Two table last season, bagging 19 times in 41 outings.
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Aneke is being reported in some quarters as a midfielder, but he played most of last season as a centre forward for MK Dons. He’s a big striker who got plenty of shots away over the course of the season.
It’s highly unlikely he’ll be back; he didn’t fancy League Two in the first place and perhaps feels now he’s out of contract it’s a good time to move on.
With the Dons having some forward momentum, he needs to make sure his next move is up a level, or he could end up with egg on his face. Paul Tisdale is being diplomatic, but the fans won’t be and if he only side steps, he’ll be in for some stick later in the season.
