Hatters boss wanted to sign Dewsbury-Hall on permanent deal

LUTON boss Nathan Jones has revealed how he failed in a permanent move for Leicester City’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall but assured the Foxes he will look to develop his talent.

Dewsbury-Hall, right, wrapped up a switch to Kenilworth Road on deadline day by agreeing a seasonlong loan move which ended the Hatters’ long pursuit of the highlyrated midfielder.

The 22-year-old had darted onto Jones’ radar during a loan spell at Blackpool last season when he scored four goals in 10 appearances amid a string of impressive performances.

And the Hatters boss revealed that when he returned to the Championship club earlier this year, he was one player he wanted to sign permanently.

“He’s an excellent player and probably one of the first ones I identified on my return, in terms of ones we had to get,” he said.

“We tried to get him permanently but we couldn’t. Leicester kept him around, he played against Arsenal (in the Carabao Cup) and when they finally let him out, they were true to their word, because we registered interest before anyone really.

“I watched him seven or eight times at Blackpool last year and I thought he did excellently and he’s one that will fit right into what we do here.

“He’s a great character, very good technically, he had a wonderful loan at Blackpool and Leicester City gave me permission to meet him very, very early, a few days after the season finished and I did. “I’m glad I did because he’s chosen to come here. He’s a centre midfield player, he can play in attacking midfield, he can play in a two, he can sit if need be, but we see him as an attacking midfield player.

“He’s got a wonderful left foot, technically very good, he’s a good athlete and scores goals if he’s in a position enough.

“So, we’ll look to harness that and get some real development in him.

“It’s a shame he’s not ours but if we have to develop him then Leicester’s a good club for us to help.”