Ethan Wheatley's move to League One rivals confirmed after Man United cut short his Cobblers loan

The 20-year-old impressed for Cobblers in the first half of the campaign but parent club Manchester United decided to cut short his loan at the start of the transfer window and have now redirected him to promotion-chasing Bradford City, with the move confirmed on deadline day.

Kevin Nolan had hoped – and expected – to keep Wheatley at Sixfields for the whole season, especially given his improvement, but United claimed they wanted to provide their young striker with a ‘fresh challenge’. He could make his debut in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at Luton Town.

“I am buzzing,” said Wheatley. “We have been in talks for quite a while. Now we have got the deal done, I am really excited to come in and help the team. I am over the moon to have got it signed and I cannot wait to get going.

"I am happy with what I did at Northampton in the first part of this season. I thought I did a good job. I had League Two experience last season, then League One this campaign, and I thought I grew a lot as a player, especially in the last couple of months when I was able to play more of my game. I am now hoping to show more of that here at Bradford.”

Cobblers will face Wheatley in April when they head to Bradford on Good Friday.

Bantams boss Graham Alexander said: “We are delighted to bring Ethan in to bolster our attacking options. He has fantastic attributes for a forward player, with plenty of League One games under his belt this season already. He showed a great desire to join us when we spoke, and I believe he is going to enjoy his time with us.”