WANDERERS have snatched highly-rated utility man Zac Ashworth from under the noses of several League One rivals.

West Brom’s left-sided Wales Under-21 international initially arrives at Bolton on loan – but there is an option in the agreement between the two clubs to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

Ashworth spent the second half of last season on loan with Burton Albion, helping Dino Maamria’s side climb from the relegation zone into the comfort of mid-table.

The 20-year-old can play either as a defensive midfielder, a centre-half or as a wing-back, which gives Ian Evatt ample cover for the injured George Johnston.

Burton were one of a handful of League One sides who had enquired about taking him on loan but Bolton made him their number one priority after losing Johnston to a serious knee injury just 10 minutes into their opening friendly.

Ashworth has four caps for his country at Under-21 level, winning his first in March 2022 in a friendly against Gibraltar.

“We are working hard to strengthen the squad and Zac is another excellent addition,” said Wanderers’ boss Evatt.

“Unfortunately losing George, we needed to bring in someone capable of playing that role – and potentially others on the left side – and Zac fits the bill.

“He is a quality, young player who has played in the Championship and last season gained valuable experience in League One as an important part of Burton’s team.

“He is here initially on loan but that could become permanent which would keep him with us long-term and give us another talented young player I’m looking forward to working with.”

A boyhood West Brom fan whose father Dan used to be sporting director at the Hawthorns before moving on to Newcastle United, Ashworth said he was excited to start a new challenge.

“It could have been a comfortable option to stay there but I’m excited to take a risk and join another massive club and I can’t wait to get started,” said Ashworth.

“When I was a little boy I grew up supporting West Brom and I always have. West Brom will always be close to my heart but this is a new chapter for me, I’m excited to be here and I can’t wait to get into the season and help push on.

“I’m still only 20 so I have a lot of improving to do. I’ve got no doubt I can get better and better here, especially under the manager who really impressed me in the time I spoke to him.

“I’ve got a lot of learning to do and improvements to make but I think this is the best place I could be to do that.

“It’s such an honour to join this club and a club that, in my opinion, is a bigger club than League One, so hopefully I can be part of the squad to push the club and the fans back to where they want to be.”