Benn joins Diabate on loan at Bradford

Jay Benn joined Lincoln City in 2022 from Halifax Town

League Two side Bradford City have signed defender Jay Benn on a season-long loan from Lincoln City.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at National League side Solihull Moors, appearing in both the quarter-final and semi-final of the play-offs.

"I am buzzing. It is late at night and quite dark out here at Valley Parade, but I am glad to get it over the line," Benn said.

He joins Cheick Diabate, from League One club Exeter City, who has been signed on a season-long loan with a break clause in January.

Grecians manager Gary Caldwell said the 22-year-old, who has made 76 appearances and scored three times for his parent club, asked for a loan move in pursuit of more playing time.

"We felt it's a good opportunity for him," explained Caldwell.

“I have had conversations with Cheick and he wants to play more regular football. He did brilliantly in spells but has had injuries which have kept him out of the team.

“We want to develop his career and get him in as a regular Exeter City player. But at the moment, competition in that position is very strong."

Exeter triggered a clause in Diabate's contract in April to extend his contract until the end of this season

Diabate played 18 times as Exeter won promotion from the fourth tier in the 2021-22 season.

He made 32 appearances in all competitions last season but has been an unused substitute in each of Exeter's first three league matches in 2024-25.

The centre-back said Bantams manager Graham Alexander's "clear path for the club" had influenced his decision to move to Valley Parade.

“He wants to get promoted and I want to be a part of it," he added. "I am here to work hard, give my all for this club and contribute positively.”

Bradford have taken seven points from their first nine and visit Grimsby Town on Saturday.