Bolton Wanderers are looking to add some second-tier firepower to their attacking ranks as the summer window ticks along. Preston North End‘s Will Keane is being lauded as a potentially imminent target in a Lancashire switch.
The 32-year-old is set to make way as North End have announced their seventh signing this afternoon. A deal for Sheffield Wednesday forward, Michael Smith, has instantly replaced any potential outgoing for a net profit.
Keane, who graduated through the Manchester United academy, is the twin brother of Everton centre-back, Michael Keane. Having appeared once for the Red Devils in the 2011/12 season, the former talent’s career has been somewhat underwhelming, despite being an excellent servant to many clubs, when considering his early label.
Loan spells with Wigan Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston – the first time round – were followed by a permanent switch to Hull City in 2016. During these temporary endeavours, the 32-year-old featured increasingly more often in the Championship, earning six Premier League appearances in the Tigers’ 2016/17 campaign.
Wigan enjoyed Keane’s best performances following his three-year stay at Hull and a mixed two-year stint with Ipswich Town from 2018-2020. In the 2021/22 League One campaign, the Irish striker scored 27 times and contributed eight assists across 50 domestic outings.
Preston reunited with Keane in 2023, where the forward enjoyed a positive initial year back in the Championship. Memorable displays such as: a brace versus Stoke City and an opening day equaliser against Bristol City, saw the Bolton-linked man win over the majority of PNE fans.
Following the latest development by Darren Witcoop, Bolton fans are expectant that Keane’s arrival will be imminent. Aaron Collins’ departure to Milton Keynes Dons could be adequately replaced by the 32-year-old’s signature.
Writer’s View
Bolton could see Keane’s first involvement against Preston themselves if a move materialises. The two Lancashire sides are set to face each other in an upcoming friendly on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old will be a lot better suited to League One as the step up to Preston lasted just one season. This is in terms of statistical output rather than anything else. Keane is a true ‘bagsman’ at that level, as proven with Wigan, but his link-up play makes the striker a versatile option ideally in a front two.
