Steve Tilson is set to make his first signing as Lincoln City manager by snapping up Milton Keynes Dons man Luke Howell on a month-long loan deal.

The 23-year-old, who has been training with the Imps this week, is predominantly a central midfielder but can also fill in at right back if required. The paperwork for the deal to be completed is currently being finalised.

He made 29 appearances in League One for the MK Dons last season but has found it harder to break into the in-form first 11 this campaign under the fresh management of Karl Robinson. Having made just one substitute appearance in the league for the club this year, on the opening day of the season against Walsall, Robinson has decided to let Howell leave on loan.

Howell began his career at Gillingham as a trainee, but made just one appearance for the Gills and was released by the then-League One club in 2007. After a successful trial at Milton Keynes Dons the following summer, Howell signed for the club and has gone on to make 53 league appearances in his four seasons there.

Upon arrival at Sincil Bank, Imps manager Steve Tilson had said that City’s main problems were ‘in both boxes’—in attack and defence. However it seems he has had a change of heart after assessing the players in his first week as Lincoln boss.

Should the paperwork be completed on time, Howell is certain to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s League Two trip to Wycombe Wanderers, who currently occupy a play-off position.