WANDERERS emerged empty-handed from transfer deadline day despite trying to secure a late deal to sign a striker.

Neil Lennon will continue his chase for a front man when the loan window reopens in a week’s time and had his coffers boosted slightly with the departure of home-grown winger Andy Kellett to Wigan Athletic.

The Latics paid a small up-front fee for the 21-year-old academy graduate but the three-year deal he signed at the DW Stadium also includes hefty sell-on clauses and bonuses based on promotion.

Kellett made just four first-team appearances for the Whites but hit the headlines last season when he joined Manchester United on loan.

He did not make a first-team appearance at Old Trafford but was tipped to challenge for a senior spot when he returned to the Macron Stadium this summer.

Despite playing in a handful of pre-season friendlies he failed to challenge Dean Moxey for the left wing-back spot and his fate was effectively sealed when Lennon added Spanish defender Jose Manuel Casado to his ranks last week.

Latics boss Gary Caldwell hopes he can unlock the promise that made him a popular figure among the Wanderers supporters, who were keen to see the local lad given an opportunity.

“Andy is one of those we have been looking at for a while and we’re delighted he’s become available,” he said of the versatile youngster, who joins former Wanderers Craig Davies and Sanmi Odelusi as one of 20 signings made by the Scot this summer. “Hopefully he can develop here and start fulfilling his undoubted potential.”

Though Kellett’s deal was only confirmed half an hour after the 6pm deadline, it might have been a different story had another big earner been taken off the books earlier in the day.

Lennon’s kitty may have been swelled further had Championship rivals Bristol City acted on their interest in taking Medo Kamara on loan – a deal that could be revisited in the future.

The Sierra Leone international’s representatives have also spoken to his previous club FK Partizan.

Although it proved to be a quiet deadline day with regard to incoming transfers, Wanderers did find themselves linked strongly with two front men – Celtic’s Anthony Stokes and French front man Clarck N’Sikulu.

The club distanced themselves from both deals but were in talks with another attacking option early in the day.

It is hoped that deal can be quickly resurrected when the loan window reopens, possibly in time for the next competitive game at home to Wolves a week on Saturday.