Latics make double loan signing

ATHLETIC today made a double loan swoop on the eve of their crunch clash at fellow relegation battlers Crewe. Boss Lee Johnson has brought in defender Adel Gafaiti from Premier League Norwich City and midfielder Joel Byrom, from Sky Bet League One rivals Preston North End. Gafaiti (19) plays in the heart of defence and has been a regular for the Canaries' under-21s side this season. He joins Athletic until April 21 and is available for this weekend's fixture at Gresty Road. Athletic are seeking Football League clearence before naming Byrom (27) in tomorrow's squad. He previously made 49 appearances for Northwich Victoria and played 80 times for Stevenage. Byrom has scored two goals in 22 outings for Preston since 2012. Johnson said of Grafaiti on the club's official website: "We searched the market for an experienced defender, but we couldn't get any in, so the next best option was a very good talent from Norwich which we are lucky to get our hands on." Byrom said of his emergency loan until the end of the season: "I'll bring a bit of balance to the team with my left foot. I like to keep the ball, create chances and hopefully nick a goal or two."