Bolton Wanderers told to avoid 'rush' to sign ex-Middlesbrough player | OneFootball

FLW's Bolton Wanderers fan pundit has given his verdict on a possible permanent move for Marcus Forss

Bolton Wanderers have earned their place back in the Championship for the first time since 2016.

The Whites will be aiming to survive in the division after gaining promotion through the play-offs under Steven Schumacher.

The Greater Manchester outfit will be looking to use the summer transfer window to bolster their squad.

Bolton have already signed Luca Stephenson, David Watson, Akin Famewo and Ben Davies ahead of their return to the second tier.

And one player currently training with the squad, albeit without a contract, is Marcus Forss, who has stayed with the team following his loan spell.

The forward is currently out of contract after his deal with Middlesbrough expired, meaning he could be available to join the Championship side on a permanent basis.

Marcus Forss is worth taking a look at for Bolton

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When asked if it would be worth it to take a punt on signing Forss permanently, FLW’s Bolton fan pundit claimed that there is no reason to rush into a deal for the Finn, but that he could be a solid addition to the squad for next season.

He believes that the 27-year-old’s experience of the Championship could be useful to have in the dressing room, and if he can prove his fitness then it might be worth bringing him on a permanent basis.

“Marcus has Championship experience and he can play a couple of different positions, so there is a utility element that is appealing about him,” O’Meara told Football League World.

“I think his loan was good, but obviously it was curtailed with injury.

“I think it makes sense for him to train with Bolton, for Bolton to have a look at the potential of using him in the Championship.

“Ultimately, if they choose not to, the fact that he’s fully fit and can get a contract elsewhere, it makes sense.

“I think it makes sense for Bolton to have a look at it.

“As for taking a punt, I think Bolton are in no rush to make that decision, so have a look and see how he’s recovered.”

Forss joined Bolton on loan last summer, but he was only able to make 18 appearances for the club, including nine starts, with fitness issues proving a significant issue.

He contributed two goals, with the Whites coming fifth in the table and winning promotion through the play-offs.

The 27-year-old is now without a club, and is free to discuss terms on a deal with any potential suitor.

But it remains to be seen whether Bolton will want to offer him a permanent contract, or if this training is a mutually beneficial move before they go their separate ways as the season draws closer.

Forss previously made 84 league appearances for Boro in the Championship, contributing 18 goals and seven assists.

The forward also played for Hull City at that level, as well as Brentford, and even made seven appearances in the Premier League for the London outfit.

Bolton will not have to make a decision before the 1 September transfer deadline with regards to Forss due to him being a free agent.

Meanwhile, Schumacher’s side will begin life back in the second tier with a home clash against Preston North End on 15 August.

Marcus Forss signing will have to depend on his fitness

If Forss can show in training with Bolton that he can remain fit and can be relied upon to be available, then he could be a solid addition.

His experience in the Championship will make him a useful presence to have in the dressing room at the very least.

Forss’ versatility will also be an asset, as he can play through the middle or out on the right, so he can provide some attacking depth.

It’s unlikely he’d be a key figure in the team, but given he’s a free agent, the relatively low cost of a deal means it might be worth keeping him around, but only if there is confidence in his fitness.