ADAM Le Fondre has quit Bolton Wanderers for Australia in a shock move.

The fans’ favourite is understood to have signed for A League outfit Sydney FC – with the club confirming his departure DURING tonight’s Carabao Cup game against Leeds United.

A statement read: “Adam Le Fondre has been given permission by Bolton Wanderers Football Club to speak with a club overseas regarding a possible transfer after being presented with an “opportunity of a lifetime”.

“The striker, who did not feature in Wanderers’ Carabao Cup game at Leeds United earlier on Tuesday evening, has expressed a strong desire to take on this new challenge.

“Taking all factors into consideration, Bolton Wanderers Football Club has reluctantly agreed to allow the player to leave the club with immediate effect to pursue his ambitions.

“Everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club would like to thank Adam for his excellent service to the club and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Le Fondre has become a terrace hero in three stints with Bolton, which began with a goal-laden Championship loan spell from Cardiff City in 2015.

After joining in the January transfer window he finished as top scorer for Neil Lennon’s side with nine goals in 17 games but efforts to re-sign him the following summer fell short.

After two failed spells on loan with Wolves and Wigan Le Fondre came back to Bolton in League One and helped Parkinson’s side seal promotion as runners-up, scoring a memorable goal on the last day against Peterborough United – his sixth in 19 appearances.

He signed a two-year deal after his release from Cardiff City but found it tough to gain a first team spot, coming into the equation only after Gary Madine had been sold in January.

Le Fondre finished the campaign with seven goals, including one on the last day against Nottingham Forest to help seal safety.

He began this season on the bench and played 10 minutes against Bristol City on Saturday in what is now his farewell appearance.