Bolton Wanderers plot move for ex-Oxford United star | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers have their sights set on bolstering their squad before Monday's 7pm deadline

Bolton Wanderers are interested in a deal to sign Ruben Rodrigues from Vitoria ahead of the 2 February deadline.

According to journalist Anthony Joseph, the Whites are among the clubs eyeing a deal for the 29-year-old.

Rodrigues is currently plying his trade in Brazil, but he previously played in England with Notts County and Oxford United.

The forward made 39 appearances in the Championship last season, contributing four goals and three assists to help the U’s earn a 17th place finish.

However, he has played just four times in Serie A this campaign, coming off the bench on each occasion.

Bolton eye Ruben Rodrigues deal

Bolton have cast their eye on a deal to sign Rodrigues this January, with Steven Schumacher seeking to bolster his attacking options.

However, they face competition from clubs in the Championship, as well as the Eredivisie as we approach the final days of the transfer window.

The Whites are fighting for promotion back to the second tier, and have already made the loan signings of Corey Taylor-Blackett and Rob Apter.

It’s believed that Rodrigues is open to a move back to Europe, but it remains unclear if he would be willing to make the switch to League One at this stage.

The 29-year-old has experience in the third tier, and helped Oxford gain promotion at the expense of Bolton in 2024 when the two sides met in the play-off final.

The Portuguese player contributed nine goals and three assists in the regular campaign as the U’s finished fifth in the table, before getting two more assists in the play-off final at Wembley stadium.

Schumacher’s side are currently third in the League One table, but sit six points behind second place Lincoln City while having played a game more.

Next up for Bolton is a trip to face AFC Wimbledon on Saturday in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Ruben Rodrigues signing could be a shrewd move by Bolton

Bolton know first hand what Rodrigues is capable of at a League One level, so this could be a real coup for them if they can get it done.

He’s not made it work so far in Brazil, and a return to Europe could be what he needs to recapture his best form.

At 29, the Whites should avoid pushing the boat out too much to complete this signing, and perhaps a loan with an option to buy could be the best path forward.

Time is running out to get deals done, but any arrivals of this quality brought in now could make a big difference in the promotion battle this season.