Why Luton Town decided against deadline-day move for Newcastle prospect Elliot Anderson

Luton Town boss Nathan Jones has explained why the club did not move for Newcastle United prospect Elliot Anderson in the January transfer window.

The promising attacking midfielder was considered by both the Hatters and Sheffield Wednesday on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

However, both clubs opted against a loan for the Scotland under-21 international, who instead agreed a switch to League Two outfit Bristol Rovers to work under former Magpies midfielder Joey Barton.

Luton's interest in Anderson - who has made two senior appearances in black-and-white - has been well-documented in recent months.

Jones confirmed talks had taken place over a move in January, but the manager ultimately decided against a deal due to 19-year-old's lack of first-team experience.

He told Luton Today: “We’re an admirer of Elliot Anderson, but what we need to bring in now was someone that was going to improve our 11.

"With the greatest of respect, Elliot hasn’t gone out yet and over time he might have, but we just needed a little push.

"So we could have had a look at him, but if there’s no opportunity of us ever buying him then it’s very difficult bringing him in on loan.

"I’m delighted for him, he’s a great kid, I got to speak to him a few times, with the permission of Newcastle, a great kid, wants to play football, will do very, very well I know and will do really well at Bristol.

"So he’s someone that we liked, but probably wasn’t right in this window, that's all.”