WANDERERS are understood to be close to completing the loan signing of Wales international defender Declan John.

Ian Evatt could announce his first signing of the January window at some stage today after the Swansea City man arrived at the University of Bolton Stadium yesterday to put the final touches on a deal and complete a medical.

John has been frozen out at the Championship Swans and was loaned out to Phil Parkinson’s Sunderland in January last year – but he failed to play a game at the Stadium of Light and is now looking to rekindle his once promising career with the Whites.

Capped seven times by his country, the 25-year-old also played 20 times for Cardiff City in the Premier League and has also turned out for Rangers in the Scottish top-flight.

Despite his pedigree credentials, John appears to have plenty to prove. His last competitive game for Swansea was almost exactly 12 months ago in the FA Cup at QPR, and his last cap for Wales just under two years ago.

He is also out of contract in the summer but with Ian Evatt keen to add some balance to his side and contemplating a shift towards a back four, John is seen as a vital ingredient in what he still feels can be a successful campaign.