Forest Green Rovers boss Robbie Savage has revealed the club are on the verge of bringing in a young loan player he believes could have a similar impact to Harry Whitwell.
Savage says Rovers have been chasing the player since January and are now hoping to complete the deal early next week, with four key members of his squad set to depart on international duty.
Speaking at Rovers’ weekly press conference, Savage told Ash Loveridge: “I think we might be having another young loan player in the start of next week to help us through the period when the internationals go away.
“But not just that, this is the player we chased in January. So again, that’s going to be another great one for the club. It could be very similar to a Harry Whitwell.
“But again, that’s myself and Mark’s (Bowen) relationship with top clubs to get these players in.”
The FGR boss believes the club’s reputation for developing young loan players is helping them attract talent from top clubs.
Whitwell was a revelation for Rovers during his loan spell at the New Lawn and has hit the ground running since returning to parent club West Bromwich Albion this season.
The 21-year-old has played a pivotal role in the Baggies’ impressive start to the Championship campaign, helping them climb to second in the table before they were knocked off top spot by West Ham’s 6-0 demolition of Wrexham on Friday night.
On Savage’s love of Whitwell, he told Stroud Times’ Ash Loveridge: “People say don’t fall in love with the loan player. We tried to get him back in January, but he didn’t come out,” Savage said.
“He texted me after the game on Saturday and said, ‘2-1, nil wins gaffer for us both.’ Great kid, undoubted ability.
“You look at what we do with loan players. Look at Harry Whitwell, look at Isaac Moore, look at Jili Buyabu, look at Chibby (Nwoko) he’s made his debut for Fulham. So again, we utilise the loan market better than most. People trust us.”
Savage admits the four international call-ups will leave Rovers short of options, but insists the club will not panic in the transfer market.
“Because we’ll need them with four players going away, key players, that does leave our squad light,” he said.
“And again, the signings we’re making are trying to help the football club long term with assets, as Mendy has proven that.”
