WANDERERS have secured the signing of ball-playing centre back George Taft on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old former Leicester City trainee left Cambridge United at the end of last season and becomes Ian Evatt’s third new arrival this summer.

Taft has close to 200 senior career appearances, including a short spell playing in Sweden for Karlstad BK, and is excited by the opportunity to help Wanderers in their promotion bid next season.

“I’m so pleased,” he said. “I’m absolutely buzzing to have signed for this club and get it over the line to be a Bolton Wanderers player.

“The signings Ian has already made show what he is about and what he wants from the season.

“It’s going to be exciting to be part of a quality squad of players.”

Taft represented England at Under-18s and 19s level, playing alongside the likes of Harry Kane, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tom Ince and Connor Coady.

Evatt believes his new signing has the attributes to make an impact at Wanderers.

“I’m delighted to have signed George, a 6ft 4in tall, left-footed defender who has an excellent pedigree having played for England youth teams and coming through the Leicester City Academy,” he said.

“He is at a great age for improvement and has vast experience at this level.”