KARAMOKO Dembele has emerged as a shock target for Wanderers as they step up their summer recruitment effort.

The Bolton News understands that contact has been made by the Whites to sign the former Celtic midfielder on a permanent basis.

Dembele enjoyed a hugely successful loan at Blackpool last season, where he was voted fans’ player of the season after scoring nine goals in 47 appearances.

Wanderers want to add some goalscoring potency to their own midfield and after brief talks with Peterborough United about a move for Joel Randall, they have now shifted their sights to the 21-year-old, who has played in France with Brest for the last couple of years.

Reports in the French media claimed that Dembele could be released from his contract this summer but his impressive spell in League One has now alerted interest from England and Brest now want a fee for his services.

Dembele was born in South London and attracted widespread media attention as he came through the ranks at Celtic, turning professional at 15. He played for Scotland and England at youth level but also qualifies to play for the Ivory Coast.

He made his senior debut at 19 under former Bolton boss Neil Lennon but suffered a broken ankle which eventually led to him being shifted to the club’s B Team and eventually forced him to leave Parkhead after nine years.

Last season’s loan at Bloomfield Road – which included a man-of-the-match performance against Wanderers – caught Bolton’s eye and he is now understood to be one of the players being pursued by Ian Evatt this summer.

Wanderers have made four signings thus far, including defender Chris Forino from Wycombe, goalkeeper Luke Southwood from Cheltenham, forward Klaidi Lolos from Crawley Town and experienced midfielder Scott Arfield from Charlotte FC.

READ MORE: Wanderers eyeing Luton Town striker John McAtee.