MARLON Fossey’s success on loan at Wanderers last season has ensured the task of getting him back to the University of Bolton Stadium is a whole lot tougher.

A cluster of Championship clubs are now considering making a bid to Fulham for his services, leaving the Whites unable to guarantee that a key position in the side will be filled by the time the pre-season schedule begins.

Bolton still hold out hope that the 23-year-old will return – and much could depend on where another sought-after wingback, Forest Green’s Kane Wilson, ends up.

But if Fossey does not return, then what options do Wanderers have in the transfer market this summer, knowing they do not have a massive budget to spend?

We looked at several options who played regular football last season in the same position, and whether they could step into the job.

 

PETER KIOSO

 

Wanderers fans will remember his loan spell in League Two where his energy and eye for goal made him somewhat of a precursor to Fossey.

Luton Town recalled him at the end of 2020 and sent him out again to League One Northampton Town, leaving Evatt with a big gap to fill in his squad.

Kioso spent the first half of last season on loan at MK Dons but a return to Luton in the New Year brought first team football in the Championship, and also convinced manager Nathan Jones that he was worth another year on his contract.

If the Hatters were to follow the same patter this year, could Kioso be available until January?

 

JORDI OSEI-TUTU

 

The Arsenal youngster spent time on loan with Rotherham United in League One last season after injury had cut short a spell with Nottingham Forest in the Championship.

Including some time in Germany with Vfl Bochum, he has 52 senior appearances and six goals to his name but at 23 is surely looking for a regular first team gig, which is unlikely to come at the Emirates.

With 12 months left on his contract, and the ability to play on the left if required, he could be a very interesting option.

 

KYLE KNOYLE

 

Came through the England youth set-up, so will be well known to Wanderers recruitment man Chris Markham.

Former West Ham trainee Knoyle played 45 times in a struggling Doncaster Rovers side last season but scored once and provided five assists.

At 25 he has an impressive 190 career games to call on, including a spell in the Scottish Premier League with Dundee United.

 

GEORGE TANNER

 

Broke into the Bristol City side in the first half of last season before suffering a hamstring injury – the former Manchester United defender could well be made available if the club sign Kane Wilson from Forest Green.

Tanner is another player who has passed through the England youth ranks and has picked up plenty of experience playing out on loan for Morecambe and Carlisle United.

Counting against him, he has played more football as a standard full-back than as a wing-back but seems to be learning the role.

 

KAYNE RAMSAY

 

Southampton youngster who spent time on loan in League One with Crewe Alexandra but was recalled after nasty hamstring injury. Went back out to play for Ross County in the second half of the season and grabbed his first senior goal.

At 20, he is potentially a shade too young for what Wanderers need right now – but certainly cut from the right cloth.

 

HENRY LAWRENCE

 

Another young option, this time from Chelsea’s youth ranks. Lawrence can play on both flanks and spent last season on loan at AFC Wimbledon, returning some decent numbers in a struggling side.

Has one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, so even at the tender age of 20 he could be an exciting option.

 

JOSH KEY

 

Lower league supporters will know all about the Exeter City flyer, who rarely makes it through a transfer window without being linked to a move elsewhere.

Scored goals and provided assists for the Grecians as they fought their way out of League Two last season, so won’t be cheap.