WANDERERS should find out soon if they have serious competition for former Preston North End winger Tom Barkhuizen.

The 28-year-old winger is on the wanted list at the University of Bolton Stadium and the club are believed to have put their case forward to sign him on a free transfer this summer.

Rotherham United and Derby County have also been credited with an interest, although sources close to both clubs claim no official approach has been made.

In Rotherham’s case, Barkhuizen is definitely an option this summer as they build a squad capable of staying in the Championship. But the former Blackpool attacker is one of a few different wingers being considered by Paul Warne’s side and is not necessarily at the top of their list.

Derby’s situation is more complex. The club hope to come out of administration by the end of this week and cannot currently sign anyone.

As Bolton fans can well recall from their own ordeal in 2019, the process of rebuilding is not simple and while the Rams have been linked with several quality names – including ex-Bristol City defender Aiden Flint – there are question marks over how quickly they could get a deal done.

The club currently has a handful of last season’s players still to have their immediate future sorted, no kit deal, pre-season schedule or season ticket on sale.

Wanderers’ relative stability could count in their favour and Bolton boss Ian Evatt – who played alongside Barkhuizen when he was starting out at Blackpool – is in the market for another attacking option after sending Xav Amaechi back to Hamburg.

The club has declined to comment on any transfer speculation to date and with the transfer window officially opening on June 10, it seems likely that things will stay quiet until that stage.

The signing of Cambridge United defender Jack Iredale was an exception, with both clubs agreeing to announce the transfer ahead of the window.

Barkhuizen made 209 appearances for Preston over the course of six seasons, scoring 38 goals and providing 21 assists.

He played 14 times for North End in all competitions last season but featured just three times under Ryan Lowe as injuries and illness also played their part.

His versatility would make him an interesting addition to Evatt’s squad, however, as like Kieran Sadlier, he is able to play across the front line or as a wing-back, if required.

Wanderers have already been linked with a cluster of wide men this summer including Wimbledon's Ayoub Assal and recently released Swansea City man Yan Dhanda - suggesting Barkhuizen may be one of a cluster of options they are considering.

The club has previously confirmed it wanted to bring James Trafford back on loan and sign Marlon Fossey on a permanent basis but there has not yet been any confirmation that they have been successful.