NATHAN Baxter is keen to lay down some roots after seven years of being a wanderer.

The goalkeeper has become Bolton’s first signing of the summer following his release at Chelsea, signing a two-year deal.

Baxter has 185 career appearances all of which were spent on loan spells away from Stamford Bridge with the likes of Hull City, Accrington Stanley and Yeovil Town.

The 24-year-old turned down the chance to play Champions League football with Maccabi Haifa and overtures from Huddersfield Town and Reading to relaunch his career in the North West.

And he is bubbling at the prospect of being Wanderers’ number one choice after so many temporary stays.

“I’m delighted to be here. After seven years of loans, this will be my first permanent move so I’m really excited,” he said.

“This is the right time for me. I’m at a good age and it will be good to feel like I’m here for the long run and not just for a loan.”

Baxter was at Chelsea from the age of eight and part of some successful youth sides who regularly competed in Europe.

He is keen to push his way back up the league with Bolton and shares Ian Evatt’s view that the club should be gunning for automatic promotion this season.

“Bolton is a huge football club with a massive fan base. When I spoke to the gaffer, we both agreed that we both want to work at the top end of the game and Bolton has the ambition to get there, step-by-step,” he said.

“The size of the club and the way it is run was a big factor for me. Working with the manager and goalkeeper coach, who have both worked high up in the game, was also important for me.

“I had plenty of options, but I think coming to a club where I can be number one and play at the top end of the table is what I want to be a part of. It was a very quick conversation with the gaffer as my mind was made up quite quickly.

“I’ve played with a few of the lads already at previous clubs and they have all said great things about Bolton. The first thing they all said was about the size of the club and how good the fanbase is, so I’m really excited.”

Baxter will travel with the squad to Portugal for a training camp at the end of the month and could be joined by Bolton-born keeper Joel Coleman, recently released at Ipswich Town, who is also in talks about a deal.

“I’ve played a lot of football at a young age and had some great experience, including in this division,” Baxter said. “I’m excited about coming here after two seasons in the league above. My aim is to be the best keeper in the league for the best team in the league.

“I can’t wait to meet all of the lads now and start day one of pre-season.”