Abalimba in 11th-hour arrival

Medi Abalimba - new signing

ATHLETIC snapped up Derby County teenager Medi Abalimba before the transfer window slammed shut last night.

Boss Paul Dickov signed the central midfielder (19), who can also fill in at full-back, on a free transfer.

Abalimba — born in the Democratic Republic of Congo — started his league career at Southend United before Derby paid an undisclosed fee to secure his services in 2009. He has signed until the end of the season.

Chances were limited under Nigel Clough at Derby and Dickov swooped.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “Medi is a player with potential, and Paul thinks he has a chance of making the grade.”

Abalimba’s arrival came just hours after four players departed Boundary Park.

Goalkeeper Greg Fleming, full-backs Kelvin Lomax and Joe Jacobson, and midfield man Rob Purdie had their contracts terminated in order to help them find new clubs.

Purdie swiftly signed for Hereford United. He was already on loan at Edgar Street.

Jacobson has switched to Accrington Stanley, Athletic’s FA Cup conquerers.

Fleming has been linked with a move to Scottish Premier League outfit Hamilton Academical.

Lomax is yet to secure a move, but it is believed at least two teams were interested in the defender, who came through Athletic’s academy.