WEYMOUTH have signed Yeovil Town forward Malachi Linton on loan from rivals Yeovil Town for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.

Ex-King’s Lynn and Slough marksman Linton has previously been on loan at Taunton Town this term but was recalled by Yeovil after scoring just twice.

And Weymouth have now stepped in to sign the striker, with Dorking loanee hitman Alfie Rutherford expected to return to his parent club later this month.

Speaking to Echosport, Weymouth boss Bobby Wilkinson signalled his delight at adding a more physical striker to his ranks.

He said: “His loan deal’s finished at Taunton, so I’ve got him until the end of the season.

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“He brings that power and pace, something we haven’t got at the moment. He brings something different to that forward line.

“The reason I’ve done it, like I’ve said on many occasions, is that I always work a month in advance.

“We definitely know Alfie’s going back to Dorking. We’re not sure on Harry (Parsons), even though we’d like to keep him.

“So, we have to make sure if them two go back we’ve got another top striker in the building to keep pushing forward.”

Wilkinson also cooled any fears of a backlash from Weymouth fans at signing a Yeovil player.

He said: “It can always be tricky but he’s committed to us until the end of the season. He’s a fantastic lad.

“Let’s look beyond that on this occasion. Let’s see if we can get him scoring some goals, because he wants to be at this club.

“He didn’t look at the rivalry. Hopefully he brings us a bit of success and the fans will take to him.”

Linton provides competition up front for Harry Parsons, Ezio Touray, Ben Thomson, Brandon Goodship and Rutherford before the latter’s expected departure.

He is also in contention to feature in Weymouth’s squad at Tonbridge on Saturday (3pm).