Chesterfield turn winger's loan into permanent deal from Lincoln City

The winger joined on loan until the end of the season from the League One club earlier this week and made his debut against Bromley on Tuesday night.

But the Spireites have acted quickly to snap the 22-year-old up on a permanent deal for a fee on a contract until summer 2027. The Imps say the deal secures them a ‘significant guaranteed fee and a very significant sell-on.’

Speaking about the Irishman on Friday morning, Paul Cook told the DT: “Lincoln have been great to deal with. Dylan was just a young lad at Lincoln who was on the outside of their team, getting bits of time, but Lincoln and ourselves had a really good chat about the importance of Dylan playing, getting more minutes so his career progresses, and if his career can progress, can Lincoln benefit by him progressing and can we benefit?

"He is a great age, great profile, great left foot, really good qualities to work with, settled into the group so well. His performance on Tuesday night gave our supporters just a glimpse that potentially there is a really good player in there.”

In a statement, Lincoln’s director of football, Jez George, said: “This agreement makes sense for everyone. Chesterfield are really keen on Dylan and play in a way that really suits him. At 22-years-old, Dylan also needs to play regularly and they will provide him with this opportunity.

“Finally, the financial structure of the deal makes sense for us in that we have agreed a significant guaranteed fee and a very significant sell-on. That is our model, so this is a win/win. We wish Dylan every success, we will monitor his progress and he will always be welcome at the Elite Performance Centre and LNER Stadium.”

Duffy becomes Chesterfield’s second signing of the day following the announcement of Brentford winger, Michael Olakigbe, 20, on loan until the end of the season. With Duffy’s loan being made permanent, it means the Spireites have six players on loan (Max Thompson, Harvey Araujo, Jack Sparkes, Jenson Metcalfe, Bim Pepple and Olakigbe). Clubs can only name five in a matchday squad but Araujo is currently injured and has returned to Fulham for treatment.

The two incomings today take the number of new signings in this window to six. In other news, youngster Liam Jessop has joined Worksop Town on loan until the end of the season.

The Blues return to action away at Cheltenham Town on Saturday (12.30pm).