According to Bolton News, Bolton, who narrowly survived relegation last term, are in a race against League One side Sunderland to sign Bradford City’s Charlie Wyke.
The Black Cats, who are rebuilding their squad as they aim at making their League One stay a short one, have seen two bids for the striker knocked back. It is believed that Bradford City value the striker at £1 million.
The Middlesbrough-born striker, who has a year left on his contract, is currently out nursing a knee injury.
Bolton who scored 39 goals in 46 Championship fixtures need to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season. The Trotters averaged 0.8 goals per game from 10.8 shots per game in English football’s second tier competition last season. (via WhoScored)
According to manager Phil Parkison, the Whites have already identified the final third of the pitch as the area that needs strengthening and submitted a list of strikers to chairman Ken Anderson. Wyke is believed to be Bolton’s top priority target this summer.
Talking to the Bolton News, the former Bradford manager said;
“The key area is the top of the pitch. We need more strength,”
“Ken has spoken to clubs and is waiting to hear back from one or two chairmen.”
“At the start of the summer we gave him a list of strikers that we thought were realistic and he asked me which one was at the very top of that list. I don’t want to discuss the name – I’m sure it’s documented – but we’re going for that one.”
“We need progress but we have got one or two in the background, so it is not the only option.”
Last term, Madine, 10 goals, was Bolton’s top scorer as Le Andre netted seven times. In contrast, Wyke scored 15 goals and assisted a further eight in 40 appearances.
At only 25 and capable of playing as a centre-forward or second striker, the Middlesbrough academy graduate would be a long-term investment offering competition to an ageing Bolton attack that includes 38-year old Wilbraham and 31-year old Le Andre. Wyke, who averaged a goal every 230 minutes in League One, could be a key addition to Bolton if they are to avoid another relegation scare next season.
Bolton have had a turbulent summer. Last week, the club reached an “amicable agreement” over players’ strike for unpaid wages and bonuses which saw their friendly at St Mirren cancelled.
If the Macron Stadium side can get this deal over the line, it would be the first cash signing made by Bolton in three and a half years and a considerable step in the club’s recovery. However, Bolton should be wary of Sunderland who are desperate for a striker after missing out on main target Mo Eisa with the Cheltenham player set to join Bristol City.
The chance to play in the Championship and Sunderland’s failure to agree a fee with Bradford should give Bolton an edge.
