Late Max Dean transfer twist emerges involving Bolton Wanderers | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers look set to miss out on Gent striker Max Dean after a sell-on clause between the two clubs could not be agreed

Bolton Wanderers are set for transfer disappointment on deadline day, with their proposed move for English striker Max Dean having seemingly fallen through for one key reason.

According to Pete O'Rourke via X, Bolton are set to miss out on the capture of Gent striker Dean, with the two clubs having been unable to reach an agreement in regard to a sell-on clause inserted into the deal.

This will come as a huge blow to Steven Schumacher, who has been actively pursuing more attacking options throughout the summer, with Dean having been in their crosshairs for a few weeks at this stage.

Bolton Wanderers are set to miss out on Max Dean's addition after a disagreement with Gent over the sell-on clause

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Bolton have been among the busiest clubs in the Championship this summer, bringing in some 13 new faces to the club, as the Trotters aim to retain their second-tier status after a play-off-winning campaign last time around.

Among those additions are Gavin Bazunu, David Watson, and Ben Davies, as Schumacher has looked to improve all areas of the pitch following promotion.

Dean would have helped to reinforce the Trotters' attacking options, with Alan Nixon having reported that the former MK Dons striker was to undergo a medical at the club almost three weeks ago.

Football League World previously exclusively reported that Championship rivals Millwall had registered an interest in the former Leeds United academy star, but following the arrival of Lyndon Dykes, ended their interest.

The deal with Bolton has hung in the balance since, as now it looks to have finally fallen through, as Schumacher's side will likely look to pursue other targets in the final hours, with Reims striker Oumar Diakité having been linked.

Why Bolton Wanderers wanted Max Dean

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Dean, 22, came through the youth ranks at Leeds United, but failed to make a senior appearance for the Whites, and joined League One outfit Milton Keynes Dons in January 2023, where he made a name for himself.

He scored 20 and assisted five in 43 games across all competitions at Stadium MK, before Belgian outfit Gent paid £2 million to lure the Englishman across the continent 18 months later, where he has since conjured an impressive goal record, scoring 20 and assisting three in 56 appearances across all competitions.

Had it not been for persistent injury problems, Dean could have had even more, as now, he looks set to stay put in Belgium for the time being.

With Bolton having lost Amario Cozier-Duberry, Mason Burstow, Johnny Kenny, Marcus Forss, Corey Blackett-Taylor, and Rob Apter over the summer, attacking reinforcements aplenty were always going to be the goal this summer, as a deal for Dean now appears to be over.

Steven Schumacher must turn his head to attacking alternatives with hours remaining until the transfer deadline

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Whilst a deal for Dean doesn't appear to be on the cards anymore, Bolton can still boast the likes of Gaizka Larrazabal, Kyliane Dong, Ryan Hardie, Samuel Iling-Junior, and Jayden Nelson to their attacking additions this summer.

At least one more centre-forward appears to be the priority for Bolton with the deadline creeping up after their move for Dean collapsed.

The Trotters' transfer activity is one to keep an eye on in the closing stages of the window, whilst Dean could yet be on the move this summer should an acceptable offer from elsewhere arrive.