EXETER City are reportedly trying to convince Josh Sheehan to turn down a new deal at Bolton Wanderers.

A report in The Sun newspaper claims the Grecians want to bring the Bolton midfielder in on a free transfer this summer.

Sheehan started 12 of Wanderers’ last 17 games, including the Papa Johns Trophy final against Plymouth Argyle, but the report claims Exeter boss Gary Caldwell is willing to offer him more playing time at St James Park.

Sheehan and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson were offered new deals to stay at Bolton, with MJ Williams also earning an extra 12 months based on making 35 appearances last term.

Neither player has officially signed his deal – but having worked his way back from long-term injury to become a first team regular once again with the Whites, it would be a big surprise to see Wales international Sheehan sign elsewhere even with the prospect of extra competition in midfield next season.

Likewise, Bodvarsson has settled well with his family in the area and become a popular player with supporters, but the Icelander has had a disrupted 15 months with injury and managed just 24 appearances last season, scoring eight times.

Exeter lost six of their last seven games in League One to finish 14th in the table on their first season back in the third tier since 2012.