Bolton Wanderers look to fend off competition as they target St Mirren midfielder Keanu Baccus, according to The Daily Record.
The League One club have reportedly made the Australian international a top target this summer as they look to bring him to the club, however, they do face competition, with the midfielder linked with a number of clubs in recent months.
Baccus only arrived in Scotland last summer, joining St Mirren from Western Sydney Wanderers and was a key part of Stephen Robinson’s side, as the club achieved their first top-six finish in the top flight since 1985.
However, there is a lot of speculation surrounding his future in Paisley with just one year remaining on his contract and a number of English clubs circling for his signature, it looks to be complicated for the club to hang on to their star. The midfielder was vital in the side being one of the most consistent teams in the league, as he showed plenty of composure in the middle of the park.
The 25-year-old played 36 games for the club last season, scoring twice and representing Australia at the World Cup in Qatar last December. During the tournament, the midfielder played in all four games the Socceroos played before the side was eliminated in the Round of 16 by eventual winners Argentina.
Bolton are looking to strengthen ahead of the new season and have already made two signings, both of whom are goalkeepers and are also reportedly set to complete the signings of two wing-backs. The Trotters reached the playoffs last season but were eliminated by Barnsley in the semi-finals.
Scottish outfit St Mirren will be reluctant to see their star leave the club, however, with one year remaining on his deal, the club may be looking to do a deal for their player if they feel he is not going to remain with the club. They have shown a willingness to let players go if the price is right over the past year, Ethan Erharon joined Lincoln City and Dylan Reid joined Crystal Palace, both for six-figure fees with add-ons included last season.
Writer’s View
Baccus is someone who has quickly arrived on the scene, his arrival at the Paisley club helped elevate St Mirren and it is no surprise to see a number of clubs beginning to clamour for his signature. However, if reported Championship interest does turn out to be true, it makes it difficult to see the midfielder joining Bolton. However, if they were to pull off this signing, it would be a major coup for the League One club and a step in the right direction.
