Exclusive: Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Bradford City and Hearts plot move for ex-Bolton star | OneFootball

The three League One sides are looking to recruit early in the summer window

For the first time since 2019, Bolton Wanderers are preparing for life as a Championship club once again after their famous victory over Stockport County in the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium on May 25th, although not all who played a part in their journey will reach said destination this summer, and Football League World can exclusively reveal that one man who falls into said category has already garnered transfer interest from third tier sides and beyond.

After two previously failed attempts at play-off glory in League One under Ian Evatt, Steven Schumacher's first full season at the Toughsheet Community Stadium was viewed as critical in terms of a promotion success, having previously achieved a title-winning campaign during his spell in charge of Plymouth Argyle back in 2022/23.

Despite finishing the regular season in fifth, Wanderers were able to edge their way past Bradford City in the play-off semi-finals, before dismantling the aforementioned Hatters in North London almost two weeks ago by four goals to one, although some would argue that, as well as executing a ruthless game plan, lady luck was on their side when it came to certain decisions.

One of those came early on in the game, when County's eventual scorer, Adama Sidibeh, was adjudged to have fouled George Johnston in the lead-up to a disallowed goal, which was chalked off after a lengthy VAR review.

Unknown at the time, it was one of the 27-year-old's final acts in a Whites shirt, with the club's retained list revealing that he was one of four senior players to end their associations with the club.

And, with the summer window now looming large, a quartet of clubs are chasing his services, with three residing in League One.

Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Bradford City face Hearts competition for £0 George Johnston move

Johnston moved to the North West club from Feyenoord in 2021 following their return to the third tier after a solitary campaign in League Two, eventually becoming a cornerstone of Evatt's rearguard alongside the likes of former captain, Ricardo Santos.

The former Liverpool academy graduate ended his five-year spell with Bolton with an overall record of 191 appearances, four goals and six assists, with 50 of those coming in all competitions throughout 2025/26, including some as captain - such as the Wembley triumph.

However, as he bid farewell to the Trotters on his social media channels with an emotional message, joining Jordi Osei-Tutu, Kyle Dempsey and Carlos Mendes Gomes on the released list, FLW understand that all of Plymouth, Bradford and Luton Town are plotting free transfer moves for the former Scottish youth international after learning of his shock departure.

That said, they are not alone, as Scottish Premiership runners-up, Hearts, are also looking to further bolster their defensive ranks under Derek McInnes, despite missing out on the title in rather astounding circumstances to Celtic on the final day of the campaign in a straight shootout.

According to Salary Sport, Johnston earned an ESTIMATED weekly salary of £7,100 at Bolton in his final season, which could also add to an intriguing transfer battle between the four sides.

Hearts move could be attractive for George Johnston after lengthy League One stint

At 27 years of age, the Manchester native is yet to play above League One level in England, despite previous interest from the likes of Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers.

Much like Bolton this season, the likes of Plymouth, Luton and Bradford will certainly fancy their chances of reaching the play-offs after missing out on the post-season lottery or the play-off final respectively, even with sides of Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday's stature being relegated.

Tom Cleverley's side, in particular, are looking to already make moves in the market, with FLW exclusively revealing their interest in a permanent switch for former Charlton Athletic loanee, Alex Mitchell.

However, Hearts will be kickstarting a journey in the UEFA Champions League, which could lead to the 'League Phase' in July, as their second qualifying round affairs will be against either Fenerbahce or Sturm Graz, and those prospects could certainly catch the eye of Johnston, even if regular initial minutes aren't to be guaranteed.