MK Dons forward Chuks Aneke is in high demand this transfer window, reportedly on the radar of up to six clubs. Four Football League sides, Hull City, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic and Barnsley have been reported by Sky Sports to be in the race for the out-of-contract forward, and now Peter Wales from The Edinburgh News says that Hearts and Hibernian have entered the fray.
Chuks Aneke Being Chased by Host of Clubs
Football League Sides
Aneke was the second top scorer for MK Dons in 2018/19, hitting 17 goals in League Two as the Dons secured automatic promotion back to the third tier.
Portsmouth will also be competing in League One and, as such, are the lowest-ranked club supposedly in the race to sign Aneke. Their interest, though, goes back much further than any of the other clubs listed in Sky Sports’ report. The Portsmouth News wrote of Pompey’s interest at the back end of last month which, by the time any supposed deal is done, could be almost a month ago.
The rumour that Hull are in the race seems unlikely due to the fact that manager Nigel Adkins decided to leave the club at the end of his current contract. James Smailes from the Hull Daily Mail reported that the Tigers’ pursuit of Bolton Wanderers midfielder Josh Vela is in doubt due to Adkins’ departure, so any incoming signings, including Aneke, will likely be put on hold.
No local outlets for Wigan or Barnsley are reporting any interest in Aneke. While this does not mean the clubs haven’t made enquiries, it does leave supposed front-runners Portsmouth more time to do a deal, or for MK Dons to wrap up a new contract like they have with Aneke’s strike partner, Kieran Agard.
North of the Border
Wales’ report for The Edinburgh News goes no further than suggesting that both Hearts and Hibernian have expressed an interest in the player.
The club’s tenuous links with Hearts owing to previous manager Robbie Neilson’s stint at the club will bear no weight in Aneke making the move to Tynecastle Park with Neilson now in charge at Dundee United.
Hibernian missed out on Europa League football next season after a dire end to the Scottish Premiership campaign in 2018/19. That would likely have sealed any deal for any player on their list, especially for Aneke having played in League Two last season.
A New Contract
Of course, there is still time for Aneke to follow in Agard’s footsteps and sign a new deal at Stadium MK. It would certainly be a huge statement from the club, being able to keep hold of their two top scorers after a promotion season.
If MK Dons could complete that deal, their front line would look far more solid going into next season, with Agard and youngster Dylan Asonganyi already at the club and new signing Joe Mason ready to make an impact.
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