WANDERERS insist their transfer business is far from done – with Phil Parkinson targeting EIGHT more players before the close of the window.

Fans have been warned to expect a busy July as the Bolton boss continues to strengthen his squad for the new Championship season.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Parkinson says the arrival of Clayton Donaldson, Erhun Oztumer, Jason Lowe and the re-signing of Sammy Ameobi were a good start to his recruitment plan.

“We probably need another eight players – that’s what we have been working towards,” he said.

“I’m really happy with what we have done so far, and we’re piecing the squad together, bit by bit.

“Deals do take time and if you’re a fan looking in you want things to happen quick but we know what we have got to do to strengthen the squad and we’re speaking with several players at the moment.”

It remains to be seen whether Parkinson will get cash to spend from Ken Anderson, or whether his targets will continue to be free agents and loans.

But fending off competition from other Championship clubs to secure Ameobi to a two-year deal was an important step in the right direction, said the Bolton chief.

“Players like Sammy, Oztumer, Lowe – they are in the peak years of their career and every manager in the Championship wants those players on a free transfer.

“We had to compete for Sammy. There is a very small pool of quality players like that and so I’m delighted we managed to keep him.”

Parkinson believes Ameobi can now kick on after featuring in 36 games last season - the best return of his professional career.

“A lot of the onus was on Sammy last season, especially after Gaz Madine left and we played him up top,” he said. “Teams were working hard to stop him because they knew what a threat he was.

“I think this year he’s got that experience behind him and he can kick on.”