DOUGIE Freedman has dismissed speculation linking Wanderers with a move for Blackpool defender Craig Cathcart.

Reports in West Yorkshire yesterday suggested the out-of-contract former Manchester United youngster is being targeted by both the Whites and Championship rivals Huddersfield Town.

But Freedman has categorically denied the 25-year-old centre-back is on his radar this summer.

The Scot told The Bolton News: “There is nothing in that.

“He is not a player who interests us. I don’t know where that has come from.

“We have agreed to sign Dorian Dervite in that position and he is a fantastic signing for us.”

The departure of Zat Knight and Tyrone Mears has reduced the backline options for Freedman, though strengthening the full-back positions is likely to be a top priority – particularly with a move for Charlton’s French central defender Dervite in place when his deal at the Valley ends next month.

Marc Tierney and Joe Riley are set to return to the fold after lengthy injury lay-offs but both positions were problematic last season.

Player of the year Tim Ream spent the vast majority of the campaign as a makeshift left-back, while Freedman drafted in experience in the shape of Kevin McNaughton from Cardiff and Alan Hutton from Aston Villa in different loan spells to ease the burden on the right.