Bolton Wanderers beat Millwall to transfer as medical booked | OneFootball

Former Millwall target Max Dean is set to undergo a medical at Bolton Wanderers after a fee has been agreed

Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher has been crying out for some reinforcements in the final third this summer, and finally, the Trotters look to have got a deal over the line for Max Dean.

As per Alan Nixon's Patreon, Bolton have agreed a deal for Belgian side KAA Gent to sign English striker Dean on a permanent basis, with the forward set to undergo a medical ahead of his switch to Greater Manchester.

The former England youth international looks to be on the cusp of a return to England after a couple of years away, and is set to experience his first taste of Championship football in his career.

Bolton Wanderers have agreed a deal for KAA Gent striker Max Dean, with the player set for a medical

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It was reported last Thursday by Pete O'Rourke via X that Bolton had seen a bid in the region of £1 million rejected by Gent for the services of Dean, and now, the two teams appear to have agreed terms on a deal that will see the Englishman return to his native country.

Gent chief Rik De Mil told DAZN that he didn’t include Dean in the squad to face KV Mechelen on Sunday as he is looking to leave for a club in England during the window, with that club appearing to be Bolton.

Football League World previously exclusively reported that Championship rivals Millwall had registered an interest in the former Leeds United academy star, but since then, the Lions have turned their attentions elsewhere.

Alex Neil's side have completed deals for Tairyk Arconte and Lyndon Dykes to add to Josh Coburn and Mihailo Ivanovic up top, leaving the door open for Bolton to swoop in and agree a deal.

No fee has been reported at this stage, but it can be assumed that it is greater than the £1 million bid that was rejected last week, as Schumacher finally looks to have found his man to lead the line, as a deal could be completed in time for Dean to be involved in Bolton's season opener against Preston North End.

Max Dean could have an immediate impact at Bolton Wanderers

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Dean, 22, came through the youth ranks at Leeds, but failed to make a senior appearance during his time in West Yorkshire, and joined League One outfit Milton Keynes Dons in January 2023.

During his time at the MK Stadium, Dean established himself as one of the brightest young forwards in the entire EFL, scoring 20 and assisting five in 43 games across all competitions, before Belgian outfit Gent lured him across the continent 18 months later for around £2 million.

The Englishman has struggled with injuries during his time in Belgium, but still netted 20 goals and grabbed three assists in 56 games across all competitions for the club, including in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Bolton lost each of Mason Burstow, Marcus Forss, and Johnny Kenny at the end of last season, leaving just Sam Dalby as a lone option up top, as Schumacher has now finally addressed that issue with the addition of Dean.

When fit, Dean has displayed that he knows where the back of the net is during his spells with both MK Dons and Gent at two completely different levels, and there is no reason to believe he can't continue that form in the Championship with Bolton.

Steven Schumacher will be pleased by Max Dean's capture after previous transfer admission

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Schumacher has been open about his desire for further recruits at Bolton this summer, despite six new faces through the doors already, as he prepares his side for the trials and tribulations of the Championship.

The former Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City head coach has said: "We still need to bring people in. You can see areas of the squad where we're really short; we all know that, but we're trying our best. In the meantime, we've got to try and focus on controlling what we can and getting the team as organised as possible.

"I think we need two strikers, two wingers and still other areas in the attacking department that we want to try and strengthen if possible."