Doncaster Rovers are set to win the battle to sign Aston Villa midfielder Tommi O’Reilly on a season-long loan, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has appeared on the radar of a number of League One clubs this summer following a breakthrough campaign at Crewe Alexandra. O’Reilly shone at the Mornflake Stadium last season, racking up seven goals and 12 assists as the Railwaymen recorded a disappointing 11th-placed finish.
This form saw the for MK Dons loanee pick up Crewe’s Player of the Season before heading back to Villa Park. He featured for the Premier League side’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy against Wigan Athletic last week, scoring in a 3-2 defeat.
Sheffield Wednesday Talks Collapse
O’Reilly was linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday last month. The Owls were preparing for life in League One and were thought to be the front runners for the youngster’s signature.
It was then reported by journalist Jacob Tanswell that the Yorkshire-based outfit opted against a move following talks, opening up an opportunity for division newcomers Notts County. This quickly evolved, with Alan Nixon claiming a deal had been agreed with all parties ahead of a season-long loan to Meadow Lane.
Despite that, it appeared as if that report was wide of the mark. There was no follow up announcement from either club, leading to speculation that that too had fallen through.
Doncaster Set To Win Race
It now appears as if the versatile midfielder is set to move to South Yorkshire after all, albeit to Doncaster. According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, a season-long loan has been agreed, with Rovers winning the battle ahead of ‘a plethora of clubs’.
Grant McCann’s side have picked up one point from their opening two games thus far. They lost 2-1 to Mansfield Town on the opening day before a 0-0 draw with Barnsley on Saturday. However, they did progress to the second round of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout victory over Stockport County.
O’Reilly looks set to become the 10th new arrival at the Eco-Power Stadium this summer and the fourth on a temporary deal. Striker Alfie May is perhaps the most high profile name to be added to the squad thus far. The 33-year-old rejoined his former club on a season-long loan from League One rivals Huddersfield Town in June.
Doncaster return to action tonight when they host Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup second round. They’ll be then hoping to pick up their first league victory of the campaign with a trip to Stevenage on Saturday.