Plymouth Argyle have announced the loan signing of Southampton striker Dexter Blackstock and the 18-year-old will go straight into the Pilgrims' squad for Saturday's trip to Reading.
Plymouth director Phil Gill said: "We've beaten off competition from a lot of clubs to land him and we're pleased he sees Argyle as a club that can help him progress in his career. We're grateful to Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe and Harry Redknapp for agreeing this deal."
Manager Bobby Williamson added: "He's a player I have had my eye on for quite a while and he could play a part in the game on Saturday."
Derby chief executive Jeremy Keith has revealed the Pride Park board would not have agreed to sell midfielder Tom Huddlestone to Tottenham for fear of harming the Rams' promotion push. County, currently fifth in the table, have agreed a £2.5 million transfer with Spurs, but the 18-year-old will not make his switch to north London until the close season.
"If a club is doing well it will always attract interest in its players but it is important we can prevent the move from disadvantaging our quest for success and desire to continue strengthening our squad," said Keith. "It's for this reason we reached an agreement to ensure Tom remains with us until the end of the season."
Meanwhile, fellow promotion hopefuls Sheffield United have gone back to Stoke City with a third bid for top scorer Ade Akinbiyi. The 30-year-old is also wanted by Wigan, but Blades chief Neil Warnock insists he is not prepared to get involved in a bidding war for the powerful frontman. "We've made a slightly better offer, matching Wigan's, but nothing near the reported figures in the newspapers, some of which said £625,000," said Warnock.
Leeds have completed the loan signing of Blackburn Rovers full back Michael Gray on a three-month deal. The 30-year-old former England international first made his name at Sunderland, making over 400 first-team appearances, before arriving at Ewood Park in January 2004.
United boss Kevin Blackwell is looking to bolster his defensive options after losing long-term injury victim Stephen Creaney, who is struggling with the pelvic condition Oseitis Pubis.
Gillingham, have announced the signing of Wigan midfielder Mike Flynn on a two and a half year contract. The 24-year-old, who joined the Latics from Welsh club in the summer of 2002, becomes Gills' manager Stan Ternent's first permanent signing since taking over the managerial reins at Priestfield. Flynn looks set to make his debut in Saturday's league clash at Watford.
