Nathan Lowe is gaining attention from sides in League One and in Scotland as his future at Stoke City looks unsure.
The forward had two different loan spells in the third tier last season, firstly at Stockport County and then later with Wycombe Wanderers, scoring 11 times across 38 appearances for both clubs.
League One Return Mooted
The Stoke City striker has so far failed to make an impression while with his parent club, scoring just twice across 27 appearances when afforded chances in the senior squad over the past two seasons.
Now, Stoke-On-Trent Live are reporting that sides from across England and Scotland are interested in the 20-year-old, with multiple uncertainties around who will be the Potters’ main forward options heading towards August.
Milan Smit has made his loan move from Go Ahead Eagles permanent, and with Sam Gallagher and Robert Bozenik both set to return from their own injury issues over the coming months.
Lowe, and fellow academy striker Emre Tezgel, who has excelled in League Two with Crewe Alexandra, are touted for moves away once again this summer, with the latter tipped for a further loan spell in the report.
While at Stockport, Lowe played 26 times across all competitions, primarily playing in a deeper role supporting Kyle Wooton or in wider areas. However, his stint at Edgeley Park was curtailed by a leg injury, which saw him recalled to Stoke and later loaned out to Wycombe.
Should Stoke Stick Or Twist?
Nathan Lowe has had a rocky first season in League One with his leg injury perhaps being the most notable moment of his campaign, but nevertheless had a solid campaign with 11 goals to his name.
He largely carried on his sublime form he showed at Walsall which earned him League Two Young Player of the Year and will surely be able to do the same with more regular action.
The big question around Lowe’s future however is whether Stoke City should back their young star for another season and try and incorporate him into the first team, or decide now is the time to part with the 20-year-old permanently.
With four different managers at the club since his emergence in the first team, priorities in striking options have twisted and could do so once again with rumours that Mark Robins may find himself out of the Potters hotseat.
Waiting to find out the future of the City head coach is probably the best decision for Lowe to make right now and once that is resolved then steps should be taken to see whether a promotion into the squad, loan or full sale is best.
Which League One Sides Should Take The Chance?
Regardless of his fate, whether it is a temporary or permanent exit from Staffordshire, Nathan Lowe will have plenty of suitors in League One who desperately need some new forward options in their ranks.
Stockport County may not be one of those though, with Kyle Wootton having an excellent campaign and with the Championship just 90 minutes away, they may explore other options to sign if they end up in the second tier.
Wycombe Wanderers will surely be in the mix after the news that Fred Onyedinma is on his way out, and with Cauley Woodrow also heading back to Luton Town, Michael Duff needs to recruit some forwards.
One team which may want to explore a move is Bradford City, who will want a rejig of their forward line following the loss of Andy Cook and the failures of Paul Mullin and Ethan Wheatley in their loans at Valley Parade.
Lowe should have a very healthy market, and if Stoke choose to cash in with two years remaining on the 20-year-old’s contract, they should fancy themselves to have a very healthy payday.
