WANDERERS’ interest in former Everton and Blackburn Rovers midfielder Hope Akpan is being played down within the club.

The 26-year-old is available on a free transfer and has popped up on Bolton's radar after coming to the end of his contract at Burton Albion.

He is hoping to stay in the Championship but it is understood, however, that Phil Parkinson is currently looking at other targets and is not close to signing the Nigeria international.

Akpan scored against Wanderers in their penultimate game of the Championship season, putting Burton on the fringes of survival, and seemingly consigning Parkinson’s side to the drop.

He netted again on the last day to equalise at Preston North End – but Bolton’s late winner against Forest, plus a late winner for the home side from Louis Moult, consigned the Brewers to the drop.

Former Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman had attempted to sign Akpan from Crawley Town earlier in his career but baulked at a £300,000 price tag, eventually paid by Reading.