Swindon Town are interested in signing MK Dons winger/playmaker Dan Kemp on a season long loan with talks ongoing, sources have informed The Real EFL.

The versatile midfielder/winger could link up with The Robins ahead of the 23/24 season as their second signing of the summer, following the loan signing of QPR goalkeeper Murphy Mahoney. Kemp spent the latter half of last season on loan at Hartlepool United and impressed with his creativity and ability to bring other players into play.

Whilst he is primarily regarded as a winger, he can also play as a number 10 and even on occasion drop deeper into midfield as a more deep-lying playmaker. At Hartlepool he was often utilised in the centre of the park and given a free role to dictate play. It is felt that the addition of a more creative playmaker who can operate behind the striker or out wide may help to unlock Charlie Austin and aid in his goalscoring exploits. His versatility also allows for the former Walsall manager to shift formation mid-game between two strikers with a player behind and one striker with players either side of him, or even drop him deeper to help progress the ball through a difficult or packed opposing midfield.

He also has the ability to score freekicks having scored two of his seven attempts at Hartlepool, the talented player also scored two of his nine goals for Hartlepool from outside the box. Whilst Kemp only recorded two assists during his time at the relegated League Two side, he often played the pass before the assist starting the move with through balls that put the defence on the back foot, allowing other players space to play the pass ahead of the goal. He plays predominantly with his left foot allowing him to cut in from the right hand side and play an inverted cross or shot between the opposition full back and central defender.

It is understood that several League Two clubs have actively held talks with the player in an attempt to signing him, however Swindon are understood to be his preferred destination, having been convinced by Michael Flynn’s ambition for the season and plans for him.

The lack of signings to date has lead to some fans speculating that there is a “one in one out” policy at the club, but Michael Flynn answered those concerns in today’s press conference, confirming that he likes to work with a squad of 22/23 players and that the rumoured policy isn’t accurate.

“No, it’s not that. I am in a position where I don’t want to waste budget. I inherited quite a big squad and that has given me time to figure out what we need. I will not sign someone just because they are available.” Flynn added in his press conference in quotes provided by Total Swindon.

He also addressed the slow market, adding that he believed several League Two clubs were putting their futures at risk by making big money moves. Reece Devine was also confirmed to be a long term injury absentee.

What Could Dan Kemp Bring To Swindon Town?

Kemp has now attracted the services of Swindon Town ahead of a possible summer transfer, but what can he bring to the League Two side next season?

Versatility

It may sound boring but versatile players see becoming more and more in-demand in the modern-day game and there’s a good reason for it.

Kemp can operate as an attacking midfielder, winger or centre forward which makes him a tactical nightmare for opposition managers because he is a difficult player to stop as you never know which role he is going to take up.

His versatility also adds to the attacking quality which the League Two side could have next season, as he can essentially do the job of two signings for the price of one.

Goals from midfield

In the lower leagues of English football, having forward options (aside from strikers) that can score goals can be the difference between competing for promotion and settling for mid-table.

Kemp contributed to 11 goals in just 16 games for a struggling Hartlepool United side last season, which could suggest that a better side would allow Kemp to further excel next season.

Amongst that run was a hat trick for Hartlepool as they beat Grimsby Town 4-1, with all of the goals coming as an attacking midfielder. These goals can make a significant difference for the League Two side next season.

Confidence

It sounds like a cheap positive but signing a player who is full of confidence has a major effect on both the player and his teammates upon joining a new side.

The 24-year-old will be eager to get started at Swindon Town, should a deal go through and his confidence will almost certainly rub off on his teammates.

Swindon Town are under a new lease of life on the pitch under Michael Flynn, ahead of a difficult 2023/24 League Two campaign, but having someone full of confidence is always a major advantage for the first few matches of the season.

Jack Payne replacement

Swindon Town suffered a huge loss last summer as Jack Payne departed for League One side Charlton Athletic on a free transfer, but it appears as though Swindon have found their replacement.

Kemp has a similar style of play to Jack Payne and both players are also of similar height and build, therefore making Kemp a like-for-like replacement.

Jack Payne was a successful player for Swindon Town and his absence has definitely been felt but securing a player with the qualities that Kemp has could prove vital for the League Two side.

Overall I think this would be a brilliant signing for Swindon Town if they can get a deal confirmed. He will add plenty of goals, assists and an overall improvement to the quality of the club’s attack next season.

Writer’s View

I’m a big fan of Dan Kemp, he is a superb player that deserved better than how he has been treated at MK Dons. His form at Northampton prior and Hartlepool on loan shows what he can achieve if given a run of games and shown trust. For the club it’s another body through the door and will allow some time for him to work with Charlie Austin and learn his movements. Michael Flynn has been clear that he would like to confirm players that improve the squad and Kemp certainly does that, if they are able to get the signing over the line. Arguably he is the closest to a Jack Payne replacement since Payne departed the club, a different type of player but similar in influence and perhaps adds what was lacking at times last season.