Bolton Wanderers are edging closer to a deal to sign out-of-contract Wrexham forward Sam Dalby.
The Red Dragons phased the former Leyton Orient man out of their plans ahead of this season, with Steven Fletcher, Jack Marriott and Mo Faal all ahead of him in the pecking order. He was sent on loan to Dundee United in August and became the key man as they secured European football next season with a fourth-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership.
Trotters Nearing Agreement
The 25-year-old has played just one match in his career in the third tier for Wrexham, but thrived upon his loan to Dundee United, scoring 15 times and was named in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season. He rejected an extended contract from former Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson in January.
According to The Bolton News, Steven Schumacher’s side have convinced Dalby to reject a second, permanent stint at Tannadice Park or other League One sides by tabling an ‘attractive offer’. The Trotters had a disappointing campaign last season, with Ian Evatt sacked halfway through the season and former Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City man Schumacher taking over on their way to an eighth-placed finish.
Whilst they have lost former captain Ricardo Santos Almedia to Swansea City, the Lancashire side have been proactive in the market and are closing in on left-back Matty Jacob from Hull City. They have also shown interest in two players who won promotion into League One in former Doncaster Rovers loanee Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Owen Goodman from AFC Wimbledon.
Writers’ View
Last season was finally Sam Dalby’s chance to prove himself at a strong level. At Wrexham, he was always behind other talents like Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and later Marriott and Fletcher, meaning he did not get many full opportunities to play consistently. Dundee United has put him on the map with his major contribution to their fourth-place finish, and that has rightfully alerted sides to him. With Dan Nlundulu and Kion Etete leaving for Cambridge United and Cardiff City respectively, Steven Schumacher needs to find forward options to complement Aaron Collins and John McAtee, and Dalby is definitely able to do that and more.
