WANDERERS could bring in as many as four new signings in what Ian Evatt expects will be a busy climax to the winter transfer window.

Clubs have until 11pm tonight to conclude their business and having already brought in Declan John, Kieran Lee, Zack Elbouzedi and Ben Jackson during January – the Whites could double their haul by the close of business.

It is understood a goalkeeper and a defensive midfielder are the two players closest to signing a deal, although Evatt has also stated publicly that a striker remains a top priority.

Wanderers have space in their budget and squad quota to bring in three players – but with keeper Billy Crellin and midfielder Tom White’s exit expected to be officially rubber stamped, Evatt admits there could be room for some late manoeuvring.

“I think there will be, I think it will go right down to the wire,” he told The Bolton News.

“I think so, I hope so. It’s going to go down to the wire.

“We’re quite far down the line with two deals and hopefully we’ll have one or possibly even two more depending on who goes out the door to come.

“Let’s get the coffees in, let’s get the cameras here and we’ll have a bit of fun!”

Asked if the incoming transfers were dependent on players leaving the club, the Bolton boss added: “No. The three that we’ve identified won’t, but then if what I’m hearing is true and correct and at least two leave permanently, then that will create space for somebody else and then we’ll see who turns up in the last minute. See who lives close by!”

Wanderers have signed 25 players since Evatt’s arrival in the summer but with some struggling to settle in League Two, some casualties are expected.

George Taft was loaned out to Scunthorpe, Liam Gordon to Dagenham and Redbridge and both Crellin and White are expected to see their loan deals from Fleetwood and Blackburn Rovers ended early.

Evatt is confident he will not lose any of his key players by close of play tonight, although rumours persist over the future of young midfielder Regan Riley, with Norwich City said to have beaten Brighton to his signature.

“None of the main players will be leaving us, the starting 11 certainly won’t be leaving us,” Evatt said. “There will be probably one or two fringe players leaving us and maybe two or three coming in.”