Championship boss has already endorsed Paul Warne signing ‘special’ target for MK Dons

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MK Dons are gearing up for an assault on the League Two title, with new manager Paul Warne assembling a talented squad.

After Paul Warne was sacked by Derby County, the former Rotherham United boss wasted no time jumping into his next job, seeing the chance to manage MK Dons as an exciting opportunity.

The Dons are setting a relentless pace in League Two with their impressive transfer business, most notably the eye-catching signing of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing following his release from Derby, and the capture of Aaron Collins from Bolton Wanderers.

Mendez-Laing and Collins will offer immense quality to an attack that is expected to destroy the fourth tier, and Warne doesn’t plan on stopping there.

EFL Analysis revealed that MK Dons have shown an interest in Steven Fletcher, who was released by Wrexham this summer, and the Scotsman could be a smart pick-up on a free transfer.

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What Phil Parkinson has said about Steven Fletcher

Warne is pushing to bring further experience through the door, and on a short-term contract, Fletcher could tick the boxes for him.

Although he turned 38 in March, the former Sunderland sharp-shooter proved he can still compete at the lower end of the Football League, scoring eight goals for Wrexham in League One last term.

Fletcher boasts the attributes that Warne craves from his centre-forward, including the ability to link play and his instinctive finishing in the box.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was a huge fan of the veteran during his two seasons at the club. In January 2025, he waxed lyrical over the striker after he scored the winner against Peterborough United, praising not only his ability on the pitch but his experience in the dressing room.

“What can you say about him?” Parkinson said via BBC Sport. “Apart from being a good player he’s a good lad as well.

“He’s a great team person/squad member and a great influence around the boys when he’s injured, playing or training.

“It’s great for him as well because obviously he’s got time left in his career but at his age his career is coming to that stage so to get special moments like that is incredible.

“We’ve just got to stop him sprinting off and celebrating and using his energy up! But it’s a brilliant cross and there aren’t many players at this level who would have scored that goal.”

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Fletcher would be a smart addition for MK Dons

MK Dons are one of the favourites for promotion, and signing a presence such as Fletcher would accelerate their chances even further.

The towering centre-forward experienced successive promotions at Wrexham, where he was mainly utilised as a super sub.

Fletcher could play a similar role at MK Dons, using his experience in the dressing room and impact from the bench to add another promotion to his CV.