IT has taken a little while, but the transfer window now appears to be warming up for Wanderers.

January had become more about self-preservation than progression for Phil Parkinson’s side as the contract discussions with Gary Madine dominated the agenda.

Even though Cardiff City had two bids rebuffed for the Whites target man, concern mounted that the “exceptional” offer Ken Anderson said could convince him to sell would materialise before negotiations were through.

Talk of incoming transfers was scarce but Chung-Yong Lee’s impending arrival from Crystal Palace might just supply the spark which has been missing.

Hopes were high yesterday at the club’s Lostock training ground that Madine would soon put pen to paper on an improved and extended deal – putting to bed any lingering talk of his exit until the summer.

Intriguingly, Chung-Yong’s signing is not expected to be the last. Wanderers are still waiting on a final word from West Ham on Reece Burke and Josh Cullen, but are also looking at back-up options.

Derby County’s Jamie Hanson has been strongly linked with both Bolton and Portsmouth and would offer cover in a few different positions A striker has been high on Parkinson’s shopping list the entire month but suitable targets have been frustratingly elusive.

Wanderers find themselves shopping once again in the loan market and have some interest in Nottingham Forest’s Tyler Walker. They have struggled, however, to match the huge loan fees which are being demanded by many of the Premier League clubs for their fringe players.

As in the Chung-Yong transfer, deals are being pursued where a percentage of the player’s wage is paid by Bolton – a prudent financial approach, perhaps, but one which significantly limits the field.

The final couple of days in the January window always throws up surprises, however, and as the market showed signs of picking up yesterday there may well be more players made surplus to requirement higher up the pyramid.

At the start of the year Parkinson resolved to make sure his squad was stronger heading out of January than it was going in. With Madine’s future nearing resolution, Harry Charsley and Chung-Yong on board, he is right on course to make good on his pledge.