Sources: Luton Town work on deal to sign ex-Celtic talent
Luton Town are trying to beat the deadline to sign Barnsley captain Luca Connell, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hatters have made Connell one of their top targets and have made several bids for the defensive midfielder this window.
Barnsley are reluctant to lose the 24-year-old as he is the captain at Oakwell and is under contract until 2027, with the club carrying the option of an additional year.
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Luton have agreed a deal with Blackpool for the loan departure of Reuell Walters.
Luton hired Jack Wilshere in October, and the former midfielder coached Walters at Arsenal, but he has often opted against selecting the defender this season.
Luton Town in need of reinforcements
Saturday’s 1-0 win over Blackpool at Kenilworth Road was a big relief for Luton and Wilshere.
The Hatters were without a win in four games across all competitions, including losses against Swindon Town, Plymouth Argyle and Huddersfield Town.
| Luton Town next five | Date |
| Bradford City (H) | 7 Feb |
| Cardiff City (A) | 14 Feb |
| Wigan Athletic (A) | 18 Feb |
| Burton Albion (H) | 21 Feb |
| Doncaster Rovers (A) | 24 Feb |
But Jordan Clark’s goal proved the difference on Saturday, and six points now separate Wilshere’s side from the play-off spots.
If they want to finish the season sitting in them, however, further reinforcements will be required on Monday.
Connell is a signing for the defensive areas of the pitch, but Luton fans will be hoping to see an attacker arrive as well.
No team in League One has kept more clean sheets than the Hatters this season, but just two players, Gideon Kodua and Clark, have scored more than two league goals.
Luca Connell impressing for Barnsley
Connell, 24, arrived at Barnsley in 2022 after leaving Celtic on a free transfer following a run of consecutive loans to Queen’s Park in the Scottish second tier.
The Liverpool-born talent was signed by the Hoops in 2019 from Bolton Wanderers‘ academy, but he would never make a first-team appearance.
For Barnsley, however, Connell has thrived. The midfielder registered 10 assists in his opening season at Oakwell, and has been ever-present since.
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, the former Ireland youth international was named captain, despite being just 23 at the time.
The midfielder scored a direct free kick against Luton in November, and would be a strong addition to Wilshere’s midfield.