MK Dons have signed Southampton’s highly-rated midfielder Jake Hesketh on loan.

Hesketh, who scored three goals in 23 appearances for Sky Bet League One outfit Burton Albion during the first half of the season, will spend the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign at Stadium MK.

He becomes MK Dons’ third signing of the January Transfer Window, following the arrivals of Russell Martin and David Wheeler.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Hesketh told iFollow MK Dons. “I’m looking forward to getting started and giving my best for the team.

“I’d like to think I can bring some creativity, work-rate and a few goals and assists as well. The team are going for promotion so every goal matters - hopefully I can contribute in that sense.”

Hesketh joined Southampton’s prestigious Academy at the age of nine and progressed through the Saints’ youth ranks before making his senior debut as a substitute in a Premier League fixture with Manchester United in December 2014.

The creative midfielder, who has made four senior appearances for Southampton, spent the first half of this season on loan at Burton Albion, where he played 23 times and scored three goals including the Brewers’ winning goal in their Carabao Cup Quarter Final victory over Middlesbrough.

“I’m really pleased to be able to bring a talented young player into our squad,” MK Dons manager Paul Tisdale told mkdons.com.

“He’s a player who has been playing regularly in League One and he will add an attacking option. It’s great to have him here.”