WANDERERS go into the final day of the January transfer window with a centre-half their main priority.

The surprise sale of Will Aimson at the end of last week had already left Ian Evatt light on cover in defence but with no update yet given by the club on George Johnston’s fitness after he damaged his ankle in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Charlton Athletic, there may yet be double the remedial work to complete by tonight’s deadline.

Bolton have four players on loan at present and can name five at any one time in a matchday squad. Up to the weekend, sought-after Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine looked the most likely player to fill the spare slot but with a defender now taking precedence, Ian Evatt may need to call in a favour.

Wanderers have been linked with Cork City teenager John O’Donovan, following a successful trial, but at 18 years old it would be more likely to see him phased into the B Team squad if a move goes through from the Irish club today.

Evatt has already brought in Randell Williams, Victor Adeboyejo and Cameron Jerome on permanent deals plus Manchester United’s Shola Shoretire on loan.

The Bolton boss allowed Kieran Sadlier to join Leyton Orient on loan and defender Will Aimson to join Exeter City late last week, but no further outgoing transfers are expected as things stand.

Aimson’s departure accelerated quickly at the back end of last week, with the Grecians able to offer the experienced centre-back a two-and-a-half year deal to move back down to Devon, where he had previously played for Plymouth Argyle.

Evatt explained how the move went through.

“Will came to me and said he had heard of Exeter’s interest. He wanted to settle with his girlfriend, who lives close to Exeter, and the kind of money and contract length they had offered him would have been good for him and his family,” he told The Bolton News.

“Long term, we have invested in Ricardo Santos. He is our captain and he is, what I view, as they long-term middle centre-back at this club.

“We couldn’t guarantee Will would play every week and, understandably, he wants to play more often and be the main man somewhere.

“We got a financial offer we deemed good and acceptable, we shook hands and we all move on. That’s football.”