WANDERERS are keen on Reading striker Dominic Samuel and could snatch him from under the noses of promotion rivals Southend.

The Bolton News understands the Whites have monitored the 22-year-old front man for the last few months but will now have to make their move to prevent him signing at Roots Hall for the rest of the season.

Samuel has been watched by a host of League One clubs, with Phil Brown’s interest becoming public knowledge yesterday.

The powerful striker is held in high regard at the Madejski and has made 15 senior appearances for the Royals’ first team and Under-23s this season.

Samuel has scored just twice but has a good previous record in League One, enjoying productive loan spells at Gillingham and Coventry City.

Bolton chairman Ken Anderson spoke to the Football League earlier this week about the embargo – which currently limits the Whites to 23 senior players.

Keshi Anderson’s return to Crystal Palace opened up one available space but Parkinson has been reluctant to make a knee-jerk decision and bring in another player on loan, in case a chance to re-sign Sammy Ameobi from Newcastle United materialises.

Chief scout Tim Breacker has identified a number of attacking options, of which Samuel is a strong contender.

Wanderers are examining the possibility of opening up more spaces and have spoken to at least two players about paying up their existing deals.

Oldham Athletic have also expressed an interest in loaning their former midfielder Chris Taylor, who has failed to gain a regular starting spot since signing from Blackburn Rovers in the summer.

But Parkinson insists no moves are imminent in either direction as the transfer window ticks down to its final five days.

“We are working on quite a few things,” he told The Bolton News. “But at this moment in time there is nothing imminent, in or out, so it looks like we will have to be a little patient for the time being.”

Wanderers take on Charlton Athletic tomorrow with no new injury concerns, both teams having seen their game postponed because of bad weather last weekend.

Lewis Buxton has returned to training after a back problem but is unlikely to feature in the squad.