Transfer targets part 3 : Midfielders

Starting off our list with a former U who helped the club reach promotion into League One. Hiram Boateng made 41 League One appearences and has aided them with 5 goal contributions in the league. He has managed to stay fit which is already an improvement on other midfield options that have worn amber in previous seasons. The 29 year old has been able to prove he is capeable of playing League One football so signing him to play in teh divison below would be a great signing. A player that can compliment Smith well through his physical presence and ability to pick out a pass. Boateng has finished with at least 5 goal contributions since departing the Abbey which could be vital for a side who has lacked edge going forward. Bonner was a big fan of the former MK Dons midfielder and I'm sure he will have his attention on him again. When compared to fan favourite Paul Digby, Boateng has less experience however makes it up in attacking output. This could see Smith drop a bit deeper to allow Boateng to push forward and attack in the best way he can and has showed in his 22,981 minutes of professional football.

Rekeem Harper is out next target with the Former Burton Albion man securing promotion with Port Vale. A midfiedler who isn't shy of keeping the ball and dictating play. A perfect player to compliment Smith, who we saw play a bit further forward under Monk. Harper will be up for grabs by many League Two sides no doubt and with MK Dons splashing the cash so far it may be hard for the U's to outbid them. However, despite this if we are wanting to bounce straight back up then signing a player who knows how it's done will be of great importance to what will be a fairly new squad. The 25 year old will be eager to play week in week out after ony 18 appearences last season and we may be the club that can benefit from Harper's hunger. He has been unable to reach the high heights he was tipped to when coming through at West Brom.

According to Pete O'Rourke on X, a League 2 side have offered Emmanuel Osadebe a multi year contract on a free. The former U was signed in July 2017 on a free and after a couple of loan spells he was sold for free 2 years later. A rather unforgettable transfer for the U's may detest them from signing the midfielder again. After being called one of the worst players on social media it may be best that Bonner and Harris stay clear of the Irishman. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if we welcome the 28 year old back to the club.

A young player that needs a loan to lower league football is Lewis Orford. The West Ham 19 year old has performed well in the Premier League 2 and is capped to England U16, U18 and U19. Following another great campaign Cambridge United would be a great destination for the youngster as we will be aiming for promotion and have a great, well respected manager despite his ties to their fierce rivals Millwall. Orford is a raw talent that will need to learn mens football quickly and how better then a loan to League Two under Harris and captain Morrison. The Englishman would be a fantastic loan and replacement to Josh Stokes following his return to Bristol City.

Last but not least is Jack Nadin of Nottingham Forrest. His contract runs out this summer, with a club option to extend. If we were able to sign Nadin on a free it could be a great way to build a player who can create and score goals for fun and eventually sell for a large fee. At 20 years old, Nadin is yet to experience mens football and a loan to show Forrest his potential or a permanent move to show his hunger to play in the top 4 leagues of English football. A raw talent that may need time to mould into a newly relegated side is the risk the club would need to decide on. Nevertheless, a target in that no.10 role that could be snapped up for a cheap price.