'No need for Luton to spend big in January'

Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio

So far, it's been one in and one out at Kenilworth Road.

Arriving at Luton Town - the Japan international full-back Daishi Hashioka. He's a right-sided defender and will add competition to Issa Kabore and Chiedozie Ogbene at right wing-back.

The one who has departed is Ryan Giles - the left-sided defender who just could not get it to work at Luton. He has joined Hull on loan with a view to a move, and the Hatters should recoup the money they spent on him in the summer.

It does leave the team slightly short on the left side of defence compared to the right, although Amari'i Bell could fill in there. However, he is playing his best football as a left-sided centre back at the moment, so the Hatters might still want some cover in that position.

The only other area where Luton may look to the market is for a central defensive midfielder with Marvellous Nakamba set to remain out for a few more months yet. The Hatters do have cover in midfield but not a specialist number six.

Otherwise, Rob Edwards seems happy with his current squad and he should be. He does not want to unsettle what is a really tight group and some of the squad players are having more of an influence when they are being used or when they come on as substitutes.

There is no need for Luton to spend big in January and they can wait until summer to decide on transfer policy depending on Premier League survival. Last summer's transfer activity was so impressive that fans will be happy to wait for a repeat of the likes of bargains such as Teden Mengi, Ogbene and Ross Barkley.

The squad will not look too different for the long trip to Newcastle on Saturday and, given the way Luton played against Brighton in the week, nor does it need to.

Commentary on Newcastle United v Luton Town on BBC Three Counties Radio and online via BBC Sounds.