WANDERERS have snapped up Feyenoord defender George Johnston on a three-year contract, subject to international clearance.

The former Liverpool Under-23s captain, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Wigan Athletic, had attracted offers from a handful of other League One clubs.

The left-sided centre-back impressed after returning to England last season, making 22 appearances and scoring once as he helped the Latics avoid relegation.

Manchester-born Johnston moved to Feyenoord in a £300,000 deal in 2019 and played a handful of games in the Dutch top flight at the start of last season.

He is a Scotland Under-21 international with eight caps and is looking forward to relaunching his career in League One with Ian Evatt’s promoted side. 

“It feels great to have made the move,” Johnston said.

“Being part of a massive club who are on the rise was something I was desperate to be involved with.

”One of the reasons why I came here was to help the club get back to where it belongs.

“I’m looking forward to playing here at the University of Bolton Stadium especially with the fans coming back.”

Ian Evatt, who brought in Dapo Afolayan on a three-year deal last week, says his second signing of the summer is another big step forward.

“George is a player with a fantastic pedigree who came through the ranks at Liverpool before moving to Feyenoord two years ago,” the manager explained.

“That he was willing to move away and play abroad in a different league at such a young age says a lot about his character.

“He came back for the second-half of last season and had a very successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic.

“He’s a very talented player for the future and we are delighted to have signed him.”