Wanderers have signed Manchester City youngster Luke Mbete on loan for the remainder of the season.

Mbete becomes the Whites’ sixth signing of the January transfer window, adding defensive cover following Will Aimson’s move to Exeter.

There are also question marks over the severity of the injury sustained by George Johnston during last weekend’s 2-1 win against Charlton at the Valley.

Mbete defender spent the first half of the season on loan at Championship side Huddersfield, making six first-team appearances for the Terriers.

The 19-year-old is highly rated at Manchester City, having signed a new three-year contract with the Premier League champions last summer.

He made his senior debut in a Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon last March, coming off the bench for the final few minutes.

Speaking ahead of that match, Pep Guardiola said: "He trained with us for a long time, his application is really high. He's still young but tomorrow he'll be in the team and maybe we'll need him.”

Former Huddersfield boss Danny Schofield also had positive things to say about the defender following his move to the John Smith’s Stadium several months ago.

“Luke is a very exciting player,” he told the club’s website. “As you would expect from someone who has had their football education at Manchester City, he is very comfortable in possession.

“He’s also blessed with genuine athletic qualities - he’s very fast across the ground – and he adds another left-sided option, which are very difficult to come by at this level.”

The signing is further proof of the relationship Ian Evatt and his recruitment chief Chris Markham have built with City, with James Trafford going from strength to strength since his arrival at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Wanderers have also signed Randell Williams, Dan Nlundulu, Shola Shoretire, Cameron Jerome and Victor Adeboyejo this month as they aim to consolidate their place in the top six.

Ian Evatt’s men are currently fifth in the table, having lost just one of their last 11 matches in all competitions.

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