VETERAN striker Cameron Jerome could be a surprise addition to the Wanderers squad before their game against Charlton Athletic this weekend.
The 36-year-old has made 24 appearances for Luton Town in the Championship this season, exclusively from the substitute’s bench, and has been earmarked as a player who could add some experience to a relatively young front line at the UniBol.
The Hatters have been unwilling sellers – and Wanderers have investigated a number of other options – but the club were yesterday feeling confident they could get at least one striker deal done before lunchtime, which would enable them to play at The Valley.
“I have been a busy man all week,” said Ian Evatt. “There are things developing all the time.
“There is progress and the potential we could have one or two new faces in before the weekend. We are working extremely hard to make that happen.”
A deal for Burton Albion’s Victor Adeboyejo is also thought to be close.
The 25-year-old has scored 13 times in all competitions this season and had been on the verge of joining Wigan Athletic – but the Championship club’s current turmoil, which led to the sacking of manager Kolo Toure last night, appears to have worked against them.
Wanderers have met the buy-out clause in Adeboyejo’s contract, reported to be £500,000, but the move has been complicated and slowed over the past week by other interest in the division above.
The remaining days before deadline could be busy for Ian Evatt, who has warned that some ‘unexpected’ players could be leaving the club before Tuesday’s deadline.
Owen Beck terminated his loan from Liverpool yesterday, leaving one slot open in the squad, and Bolton have been credited with an interest in bringing in Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine for the rest of the season.
Evatt admits he could bring in two more signings – on top of the two striker targets – to counteract any player departures early next week.
But he insists that Beck’s departure was not simply a case of ‘clearing space’ for another loan arrival.
“That helps us – but I must say that it wasn’t the primary reason it has happened,” he said. “The primary reason is because we want to look after Owen and make sure his development isn’t affected.
“Not playing games here as consistently as he’d like on the back of what was a really disappointing loan for him in Portugal can really affect the boy’s confidence, and we wanted him to go back to Liverpool to enjoy some home comforts, play in his own age group again, which will help his development and aid his pathway to first team football.
“The relationship we have got with Liverpool meant it was a mutual respect and decision.”
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