Luton Town’s latest: Watford interest in Joe Taylor, Bolton interest in John McAtee, Teden Mengi chase and Rak-Sakyi setback

Luton Town will be aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League after their disappointing relegation in 2023-24.

A significant part of achieving this goal will be how they use the transfer window, and so far they have been busy with a number of deals both ways.

Despite this, the Hatters still have a lot of business to do before the transfer window closes on August 31st, and you doubt Rob Edwards is satisfied with his current squad.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled the most recent transfer news about the club below.

Bolton Wanderers planning a move for Luton forward

The most recent news from Kenilworth Road is that Bolton Wanderers are interested in Luton striker John McAtee this transfer window.

The 24-year-old signed for Luton from Grimsby in 2022, but has yet to play for the Bedfordshire club after spending the previous two seasons on loan.

Despite this, he had a very successful year at Barnsley last season, scoring 15 and assisting five in all competitions.

Many would argue that this should be enough to get him a chance at Luton, but according to reports, Rob Edwards has yet to give him any guarantees about playing time at the club.

This could be enough to swing the transfer in the Trotters’ favour, as McAtee is almost certainly looking for starts based on his performances over the last three seasons.

Concern regarding Luton in the race for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

The chase for Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi continues, with Luton one of several clubs interested in taking him on loan for next season.

Last week, it was reported that the young winger was in talks with several Championship clubs, including the Hatters. Following these discussions, Palace and Rak-Sakyi are expected to determine the best course of action for his future.

Edwards will undoubtedly hope Palace chooses his side, but a recent interview with Hull City chairman Tan Kesler could derail all of his plans. Speaking to Hull Live, he stated: “We are interested in Rak-Sakyi and so are like 15 other Championship clubs.

“We made the best offer. Palace feel very comfortable with him playing for us, but I think at the moment he’s getting interest from another Premier League club.

“If he doesn’t go somewhere in the Premier League permanently, I’m confident that I would like to see him with us, and we will try to do everything to bring him in. We’ve spoken with“ the agent, we’ve spoken with the player, and we’re looking to have another conversation with the player.”

This news appears to be a double blow for Luton, as if he does not sign with the tempting Premier League club, the Tigers appear to be ready to pounce and sign him.

Time will tell, but it appears unlikely that the former Charlton Athletic player will be heading to Kenilworth Road.

The race to sign Teden Mengi.

Teden Mengi, another possible departure, has been identified by Ligue 1 club Nice as a replacement for Jean-Clair Todibo, who appears to be leaving.

Foot Mercato reports that the French top-flight club is interested in signing the defender.

Despite falling back into the second tier, Mengi was impressive for Luton last season, appearing 30 times.

Fulham and Crystal Palace are also interested in the defender, and it is expected that they will pay between €12-14 million to sign him.

This money would provide a significant boost to Luton, allowing them to reinvest in the team as they seek promotion back to the Premier League.

Of course, losing Mengi would be a setback, but after signing him for a low fee last year, it would be a wise decision to secure a decent sum of money for the defender this summer.

Luton’s rivals Watford is interested in Joe Taylor.

Another source of concern for Luton will be Watford’s growing interest in their promising striker, Joe Taylor.

Last season, the 21-year-old was on loan at both Colchester United and Lincoln City. During these spells, he thoroughly impressed, and was a major contributor to the Imps’ post-January turnaround.

With exceptional pressing ability, he relentlessly harasses the backline in an attempt to turn over possession. Not only that, but he’s started to score goals, with 21 in League Two and One last season.

According to Football Insider, Watford and several other Championship clubs are interested in signing the striker on a permanent basis.

While the Hatters’ stance is unknown, Taylor is believed to have only one year left on his contract, so the striker could be available at a bargain price.

After demonstrating his ability to step up a level last season, it appears to be a poor move on the part of Luton. Taylor would provide something very different than Carlton Morris or Elijah Adebayo, and his goal record speaks for itself.

It would be an excellent signing for the Hornets, and under Tom Cleverley’s guidance, the forward could thrive at Vicarage Road.

Watford’s Ken Sema celebrates the birth of his second child.

In other news, Watford’s Ken Sema celebrates the birth of his second child.