Not surprisingly, Onandi Lowe has become the first name off many Latics fans tongues, but just how likely is it that Lowe will be joining the Latics?
Fuelling the rumours was Lowe's strange omission from Rushden's daunting Friday night trip to Bristol City (a trip the Latics face this Saturday). It had appeared that local rivals Northampton Town had signed Lowe, but after the deal was pulled by Rusden, Lowe never featured for the side over the weekend.
In an attempt to shed more light, The Dukinfield Dazzler caught up with an acquaintance and Rushden fan this morning to asked for an opinion.
"Could be something in it. He did not turn out for Diamonds on Friday against Bristol City and did not even make the bench (yet he's top scorer with 17 goals this season so far!!!) No reports of injury though, although he has recently allegedly suffered a groin strain.
The chairman of our nearest rivals, Northampton Town said he had a deal to take Lowe for the rest of the season on a free and just to pay his wages. But that deal had been pulled at the last minute by Diamonds for no apparent reason. So Northampton have obtained Sabin from QPR instead."
With any specualtion there are always reasons for such signings not to happen. Most significantly in this case, our Rushden man highlighted the problem of Lowe and Talbot not being the best of friends:
"I have been advised by sources close to the club that Lowe was the most annoyed at Talbot's departure and when Talbot went to shake his hand, Lowe pulled away and pointed Talbot to the door. He is a funny so and so. Very tempremental and definately not a team player. Your other strikers will not like his selfish ways. What he has got though, is a kick like a mule!!!!"
In a bid to stop the escalating speculation, Rushden's official website has stated that Lowe trained with the Diamonds this morning and is also set to play at Notts County on Tuesday night. However, after that, who knows?
Maybe Lowe will eventually end up playing away at Bristol City this season after all... But in Latics colours? Would you bet against it?