French striker in line for move to Victoria Road

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE boss John Still is hoping to bolster his forward line once again with the signing of Romain Jacuzzi.

One new striker has already arrived at Victoria Road this week with long-term target John Akinde signing on loan from Bristol City until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old brought the tally of frontmen at the club to five, but Still is also keen to sign Jacuzzi, who has impressed on trial recently.

The Frenchman scored in last week’s reserve game at Wycombe Wanderers and his agent is Menzo Messaoudi, who was instrumental in bringing Romain Vincelot to Dagenham during last season’s January transfer window.

The Post understands that Still will attempt to complete a deal for the 26-year-old before Saturday’s visit of MK Dons.

Akinde trained with the side on Monday and ended a long chase for his signature.

Daggers initially attempted to sign him on a full-time contract earlier in the month, before League Two clubs Northampton Town and Gillingham also made offers for him.

However, the powerful forward has finally made the switch after an incentive-based loan was agreed, which will see the Championship club receive a bonus if Daggers avoid relegation.

“There was a lot of interest in John and he’s opted for this loan move to Dagenham,” said Bristol City manager Keith Millen.

“Hopefully he’ll go there and get some first team games under his belt. He needs to give his career a real kickstart.”

Akinde first made a name for himself with non-league side Ebbsfleet, which prompted the Robins to pay �140,000 for his services in 2008.

He then enjoyed a successful loan spell with Wycombe Wanderers, before making the switch to Brentford at the end of last season.

The Gravesend-born youngster, who lives in London, has been on loan at Bristol Rovers this term and caught the eye in their 3-0 victory at Victoria Road in September.

A worry for Daggers fans will be that Akinde failed to find the net in 18 appearances for the Pirates, but assistant manager Terry Harris is looking forward to seeing him in action.

“He’s a big unit and when he came down and played against us for Bristol Rovers he gave our defenders a hard time,” he said.

“Once we can get him and Marvin Morgan playing on the same wavelength and playing the way we play, they’ll both be handfuls.

“But what it will do is give added pressure and competition for places to Bas Savage, Gavin Tomlin, Josh Scott and Jon Nurse.”

Meanwhile, Stuart Lewis and Luke Wilkinson have extended their loans at Wycombe and Boreham Wood respectively until the end of the season.

The club have also announced they will now host Brighton on Tuesday, March 29.