Luton Town manager Nathan Jones opens up on interest in Newcastle youngster Elliot Anderson

The Hatters were heavily tipped to complete a move for the Magpies prospect earlier in the season and it was expected a loan move would be agreed during the January transfer window.

The Hatters were heavily tipped to complete a move for the Magpies prospect earlier in the season and it was expected a loan move would be agreed during the January transfer window.

Jones had previously discussed taking the possibility of taking Anderson on loan in November and revealed he had discussed the situation with the 19-year-old in the recent past.

However, it was former Newcastle star Joey Barton that will benefit from Anderson’s considerable promise throughout the rest of the season after the Bristol Rovers boss agreed a loan deal with his old club on transfer deadline day.

Anderson could make his Rovers debut in Saturday’s visit to League Two rivals Sutton United - and he heads into the game with a positive endorsement from one of his former suitors.

Hatters manager Jones told Luton Today: “We’re an admirer of Elliot Anderson, but what we need to bring in now was someone that was going to improve our 11.

“With the greatest of respect, Elliot hasn’t gone out yet and over time he might have, but we just needed a little push.

“So we could have had a look at him, but if there’s no opportunity of us ever buying him then it’s very difficult bringing him in on loan.

“I’m delighted for him, he’s a great kid, I got to speak to him a few times, with the permission of Newcastle, a great kid, wants to play football, will do very, very well I know and will do really well at Bristol.

“So he’s someone that we liked, but probably wasn’t right in this window, that’s all.”

Anderson was not the only Magpies youngster to head out on loan during the January transfer window.

Highly-rated midfielder Joe White also agreed a temporary spell in the EFL after joining Hartlepool United on loan.

He could make his professional debut when Pools visit Premier League club Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Jack Young has joined League One side Wycombe Wanderers on loan for the rest of the season and left-back Matty Bondswell will spend a similar spell with Shrewsbury Town.