Doncaster Rovers are eyeing a move for Leeds United youngster Alfie McCalmont, as reported by James Goodwin on Twitter.
Rovers, who are looking to establish themselves as a force in League One this season, have had plenty of success with loan players in the past. Matt Smith had a solid season for them in midfield and that reputation leaves them at the head of the queue when it comes to acquiring talent on loan.
McCalmont is a 21-year-old defensive midfielder who already has senior experience: he spent the 20/21 season on loan at Oldham Atheltic where he hit ten goals and added five assists. The natural progression is now a loan spell in League One, where he will make the perfect replacement for Smith, and Ben Whiteman who left the club at the start of the year.
The Thirsk-born schemer is already a full international, having twice represented Northern Ireland after progressing through the youth ranks. He has also appeared for Bielsa’s Leeds twice, both times in the League Cup. After his solid showing at Oldham, the time is now right for him to progress, with a League One move suggested by the Yorkshire Post yesterday.
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McCalmont was impressive for Oldham last season, but now Leeds are in the top flight changes will be hard to come by. Last season, Robbie Gotts skipped League Two and joined Lincoln, but ended up on a downward trajectory with Salford City. To keep developing, it is important to move forwards, which is what a Doncaster move would bring.
Rovers are certainly a side who like to exploit the loan market and with varying degrees of success. Tyreece John-Jules and Rayhaan Tulloch both suffered injury-hit spells there, whilst Taylor Richards and Josh Sims both impressed. McCalmont will be hoping to follow in their footsteps if he does indeed get a move to the Keepmoat.
