Wanderers have taken a step closer to a January signing Ian Evatt feels will make fans sit up and take notice.

Asked about his next move in the transfer window after signing Randell Williams from Hull City and Dan Nlundulu on loan from Southampton, the Bolton boss confirmed that he was in the market for one or two new additions.

The next arrival, it would seem, will be the biggest bit of business that the club do this month – with Evatt explaining: “There is certainly one more that we have identified as being really exciting and we are having to be a little more patient.

“As that evolves and becomes nearer to completion, you will understand why we are being pretty cautious.”

Speaking on Tuesday night after the 1-0 win against Portsmouth in the Papa Johns Trophy, Evatt provided some good news on his chase for the mystery player.

“The next one that we want in the building, we have had some positive news on today so that will be developing all the time,” he said.

Wanderers made six changes for the Pompey game and welcome the managerless side once again on Saturday in League One.

Evatt brought back MJ Williams, Ricardo Santos, Josh Sheehan, Kieran Sadlier, Elias Kachunga and Owen Beck into the side that had impressed against Plymouth Argyle at the weekend.

“It says that we have faith in everybody and we have made changes and had some very good results. We trust everybody,” he added.

“Do I think tonight that we were at where we were in the last two league fixtures? No I don’t. But I think there were flickers of it and we won the game, still had the best chances, I thought.”

Wanderers will find out on Saturday afternoon who they have in the semi-finals, which are played over one leg The semi-final draw will take place live on Sky Sports on Saturday, January 14, following the Championship fixture between Rotherham United and Blackburn Rovers.

Michelle Owen will host the draw, assisted by Jobi McAnuff and Jamie Mackie.

The semi-finals will take place during the week commencing February 20, with both ties set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Wanderers can face Plymouth Argyle, Cheltenham Town or Accrington Stanley in the last four and Evatt accepts the expectation on them to clear the final hurdle is high after beating Portsmouth.

“When you are the manager of Bolton Wanderers there is always pressure,” he said. “But I repeat myself, pressure is privilege, we are privileged to be in the situation we are and one win from Wembley. We’ll give it our best shot.”