Cheltenham sign Dieng and make Backwell permanent

Timothee Dieng moved to England from French side Brest in 2014

Cheltenham Town have signed experienced midfielder Timothee Dieng on loan and made midfielder Tommy Backwell's loan move permanent.

Dieng, joins from League Two rivals Gillingham until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old Frenchman moved to England in 2014 and has had spells with Oldham Athletic, Bradford City and Southend United.

Backwell has signed until the summer of 2026 from Bristol City after making four appearances for the club since joining on a temporary deal on 16 January.

The 21-year-old had not played a first-team game for the Championship side after coming through their academy.

He joined Exeter City in 2021 and helped the Grecians win promotion from League Two in 2022 - gaining a nomination for League Two Team of the Season in the process.

Gillingham activated a release clause to sign Dieng two years ago and he has gone on to score 11 goals in more than 70 appearances.

The duo are the sixth and seventh new players to move to Whaddon Road since the start of January.