WANDERERS will consider a move for Sammy Ameobi this summer – if the price is right.
The Newcastle United winger is on the verge of ending his long association with Tyneside and will be confirmed as a free transfer when the Magpies announces their retained list in the coming days.
The Whites are keen to bring Ameobi back to the Macron Stadium after a successful loan spell at the start of last season.
The 25-year-old became a terrace favourite with a string of spectacular goals to help propel Phil Parkinson’s side into contention for promotion, and is understood to favour a move back to Bolton.
Financial issues prevented him from returning in January for the second half of the campaign but after failing to regain a regular place at his home-town club he is now looking at putting down roots in the North West again.
A deal is by no means certain as the gap between what Ameobi has earned in the last few seasons at Newcastle in the Championship and Premier League is way beyond what Wanderers are able to afford.
Talks have begun to reach a compromise but the Whites are also keeping their options open, with “several” players currently sounded out.
Much of Parkinson’s time thus far has been spent sorting the squad he led to second spot last season, and talks are ongoing with Filipe Morais and Dorian Dervite.
Initial contact has also been made with Jay Spearing but the midfielder has spent much of his time out of the country since the end of last season, so progress will be limited for at least another fortnight.
Parkinson has signed up Adam Le Fondre and Gary Madine but has ear-marked another two strikers to add to his ranks next season.
“We need more competition, it’s as simple as that,” he told The Bolton News. “In the Championship you do have international breaks, which mean after a while the midweek games start piling up. We certainly don’t want to find ourselves short, so we’re looking at bringing a couple more strikers in.
“It stands to reason that in a higher division, a competitive league, we’re going to need a better-quality squad.”
Wanderers have reminded fans the early purchase deadline for season tickets ends tomorrow (Saturday) at 5.30pm.
The club has reported brisk sales so far, with a 10 per cent increase in fans who are buying their seat at the Macron for the first time.
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