WANDERERS have been alerted to the availability of Eric Lichaj, Nottingham Forest’s US international defender.

It is understood the 29-year-old former Aston Villa man’s name has been circulated around a number of Championship clubs in the last week, and that Bolton have taken notice.

Lichaj has a year left on his contract at the City Ground and is a popular figure on the terraces, having won the club’s player of the year award last season.

But with Aitor Karanka looking to put his own stamp on the squad, several players now face being moved on over the next couple of months to make space.

It is thought a deal for the American would be achievable in Phil Parkinson’s summer budget, swollen by a seven-figure bonus fee paid by Cardiff City for Gary Madine after their promotion to the Premier League.

Wanderers are keeping their options open for now but we have learned Lichaj is among a half-dozen names currently being considered, as Parkinson looks to add extra quality to his squad.

Although Lichaj can play right across the back four, his preferred spot of right-back is of particular interest to the Whites, who with the return of loanee Jon Flanagan to Liverpool this summer could need a challenger for Mark Little after Stephen Darby struggled for football last season.

Sources suggest Hull City, Bristol City and QPR have also shown an interest in the defender, who has made 190 appearances at Forest in the last five years.

It has also been suggested that a cluster of MLS clubs have explored the possibility of bringing him back to the States, where he is currently on international duty ahead of a friendly against Bolivia.

Parkinson is currently concentrating his efforts on making contact with the remaining members of his first team squad who are out of contract this summer. The club want to announce their retained list in one fell swoop, ideally by weekend.

Meanwhile, Wanderers have reminded fans that Bolton Central will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday.