Peterborough United are hoping to bring former loanee Nathanael Ogbeta back to the club this month to challenge first choice left-back Harrison Burrows, according to the Peterborough Telegraph.
The 22-year-old spent the second part of last season at the Weston Homes Stadium from Championship outfit Swansea City, making 20 appearances. However, he picked up a quad injury in April which saw him miss the play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
The defender’s lay-off continued into this season and he finally made his return in Swansea’s under-21 victory over Colchester United in December. He has yet to feature for the first team though, although was named amongst the substitutes in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.
It’s this return to fitness which appears to have brought the Posh back to the fray and it is claimed that manager Darren Ferguson is keen to bring the player back to Cambridgeshire to add much-needed competition to the squad.
Ogbeta is out of contract this summer, although the report states that new Swans manager Luke Williams is keen to retain the services of the player and fresh terms look set to be offered. This hasn’t deterred Peterborough though and an approach could be made before the end of the transfer window later this month.
The League One promotion chasers are unlikely to offer a fee for the former Manchester City youngster, with owner Darragh MacAnthony previously claiming that signings were unlikely this month.
Peterborough remain second in the table on goals scored following Derby County’s 3-2 win over neighbours Burton Albion last night, although Bolton Wanderers are a point further back with two games in hand. Leaders Portsmouth are now looking over their shoulders having picked up just one win from their previous six league outings. They now sit just one point above both Posh and Derby, having played a game more.
Writer’s View
Whereas it was expected there would be limited business at the Weston Homes Stadium this month, the opportunity to bring a player back that was key to their march to the play-offs last season would provide a big boost.
Ogbeta was considered a huge success during his temporary spell last season and may welcome a return in order to rebuild his fitness. Swansea may have other ideas though and they will be looking to put the option of a new contract on the table before his head is turned.
Head of Writing
