A potential replacement for George Thomason has emerged for Bolton Wanderers, but face competition from elsewhere in League One.
The Trotters cashed out on their star midfielder this week, agreeing a £1.2 million fee for the 24-year-old who started 35 of the club’s third-tier games last season. He was absent in their last game of pre-season against Hibernian, with manager Steven Schumacher confirming it was due to the club accepting a bid for the former Blackpool youth player.
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According to the Daily Express’ Charlie Gordon, Bolton could replace their outgoing midfielder with Barnsley‘s Luca Connell, with the Lancashire side ready to enter the race for their former player. Connell played 12 times for The Trotters back in 2019, but was purchased by Scottish giants Celtic and four years later moved to Oakwell on a free transfer.
However, there is stiff competition for the 24-year-old Irish youth international, with Wycombe Wanderers currently leading the chase after lodging their fourth bid to The Tykes. Wycombe’s bid is below Barnsley’s valuation for their star midfielder, meaning The Chairboys are playing a waiting game to find out if this latest attempt will be successful.
Huddersfield Town are also in the picture for Connell, fresh off of spending over £1 million for Birmingham City‘s Alfie May with the move being confirmed this morning. The Terriers were also in the race for Thomason, with Alan Nixon reporting they had submitted a £750,000 bid to Bolton, but were unsuccessful with Wrexham’s move. Connell isn’t the only player on Town’s current shortlist, with May’s former Blues teammate in Marc Leonard also under consideration.
Writers’ View
Barnsley are under serious pressure in trying to keep Luca Connell at the club, one of many star players being targeted by other clubs this window. His brilliance is well-known, with his debut season at Oakwell seeing a playoff push and 11 goal contributions to his name. Bolton Wanderers know his talents all too well, having been his former home, but with the level of competition also in the race, it is not hopeful for them to resign their former man. Huddersfield, with their heavy investment this window, is a very alluring option, now complemented with the division’s top scorer two seasons ago in Alfie May.
