WANDERERS got two more deals over the line yesterday – and are closing in on a third.

On the day that the transfer window officially opened, the club were finally able to unveil ex-Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste and put the finishing touches to a deal for winger Rob Hall from West Ham.

The next man on board should be Jermaine Beckford, who is due to link-up with the team by Friday to travel to their private training camp in La Manga, Spain.

The Leicester City striker has agreed a two-year deal, with a fee reported to be £1million, ending a six-week chase for Freedman, who played alongside Beckford at the end of his own playing career at Leeds United. Sources in the Midlands claim the deal will be announced in the next 48 hours.

Baptiste’s arrival as a first-choice right-back could now hasten the exit of Wales international Sam Ricketts, who remains a target for Wolves.

Baptiste signed a three-year deal and was immediately backed to be a success by Whites legend Neil Whatmore, who has followed his progress since junior football.

The 27-year-old played regularly against Whatmore’s son Matt as a youngster and, claims the former Burnden Park striker, will be a valuable addition to the squad.

“He was always an excellent athlete, although at the age he was playing against my son – 12 or 13 – he actually played as a box-to-box midfielder,” he told The Bolton News.

“Being a local lad from Mansfield I’ve kept a track on his progress and I do think he will be an excellent acquisition for the club.

“Looking from the outside I think full-back is a position that needed strengthening – I have never been a big fan of Tyrone Mears, even though I know he broke his leg and that affected him – and I think Sam Ricketts struggled at times last season too.

“Bap also has those leadership qualities. He was captain at Blackpool and though I don't expect him to go straight in at Bolton, he might well be one for the future.”

Hall arrives from West Ham after spending two months on loan at the Reebok last season.

The 19-year-old played only once for the club, in the final day draw against Blackpool, but had seen his progress checked by a hernia problem.

He also signs a three-year deal, although the fee is yet to be confirmed and will be set by an independent tribunal.

Meanwhile, contrary to reports yesterday, Wanderers are not in the race to sign Mali international midfielder Samba Sow.

Neighbours Blackburn Rovers were also mentioned as a possible destination for the RC Lens man.