Lincoln City look set to lose out in the race for Millwall defender Alex Mitchell.
Reports from South London are suggesting the 22-year-old is on the cusp of a move to Charlton despite a successful loan spell at the LNER Stadium last season. In an interview with the BBC, director of football Jez George hinted that the club would look at Mitchell over the summer after the defender was pictured with fans, lighting a red flare and signing Imps’ songs.
His time at Millwall looks likely to end, with one of his 100+ senior appearances coming for his parent club. However, despite his popularity in Lincoln, a club he helped guide to seventh in League One, their highest finish for 40 years out of COVID times, he doesn’t look likely to return. A move to Charlton would allow him to remain close to home, leaving Lincoln looking at alternatives.
With the Imps playing a 3-4-3 formation, they need to recruit some central defenders. TJ Eyoma has left the club, and while they do have Adam Jackson, Paudie O’Connor, and Sean Roughan, they feel short across the back. Lewis Montsma has been offered a short-term deal, but recruitment seems likely.
Two years to the day since the Imps signed club captain O’Connor, we look at three players who could fit the bill as suitable Alex Mitchell substitutes.
Dynel Simeu
Thankyou Shrimps!🍤
Coming to the club in Jan I was aware of the huge task ahead of us. We gave it our all till the final day regardless of the circumstances but it wasn’t meant to be🙄 However on a personal note I’m grateful for the support you’ve shown us over the period!❤️ pic.twitter.com/oFvBDaUnKh— Dynel Simeu (@dynel_simeu) May 7, 2023
Released by Southampton, Simeu is a central defender who started his life at Chelsea. Like Mitchell, the 22-year-old has played all of his senior football away from his parent clubs, in loans at Morecambe, Tranmere and Carlisle. He operates in the middle of the back four (or three) often on the right.
The one stumbling block here could be fitness – he ruptured an ACL a year ago, and has been on the comeback trail ever since. With Montsma in a similar position, it may be a risk for the Imps.
Josh Brooking
STILL IN LONDON!!
21-year-old Josh Brooking is still at Chelsea where he plays for their reserve team and also has been included in the first team bench this season.
Brooking can play as a centre back and a right back also.
He has South African roots through his father but he… pic.twitter.com/aeineaGaru
— Prince Sobayeni Sports🇿🇦 (@PrinceSobayeni1) May 4, 2024
Another Chelsea academy graduate, Josh Brooking is looking for his first senior challenge after being released by the Blues. He’s got ‘Lincoln’ written all over him in terms of his experience; a former England youth international, just like TJ Eyoma, Tayo Edun and Jaden Brown, all of whom have passed through the LNER in recent seasons.
Brooking plays on the right side of the defence but hasn’t had any senior loans as yet. He has played eight times for Chelsea Under 21s in the last three season in the EFL Trophy, so has faced senior sides.
Josh Flint
🇳🇱 Josh Flint is leaving Volendam after four years.
He’s gone from Bognor Regis Town to Eredivisie regular in that time.
The centre-back joined Volendam in 2020, earning promotion the following season.
Still only 23, he made 28 top-flight appearances this season.
He’s a… pic.twitter.com/ToYqymDJAa
— English Players Abroad (@EnglishAbroad1) May 22, 2024
Finally, Josh Flint, a player who came through the ranks at Portsmouth, before taking a slightly less conventional route. He left the south coast for Dutch outfit Volendam, playing for their reserve side before stepping up to the seniors. The 23-year-old played 28 times in the Dutch top flight, although his side was relegated after finishing bottom.
He could be hot property this season – he’s a left-sided centre back, which is a rare commodity. He played more than 1700 minutes in the Eredivisie this season, giving him vital experience which should see him primed for a move to league Oen, at least, if he chooses to come back to the UK.
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