Stockport County keen on raiding Bolton Wanderers for defender transfer deal | OneFootball

Stockport County are eyeing a move for Bolton Wanderers defender Will Forrester, amid Championship interest in Ethan Pye.

Stockport County are keen to sign Bolton Wanderers defender Will Forrester, as Blackburn Rovers continue to sniff around County's Ethan Pye, according to reports.

Both of the sides based in the north west of England are expected to be fighting towards the top of League One in the forthcoming season, with both also strengthening to give themselves the best possible opportunity of doing so.

However, the Hatters have faced interest in star defender Pye from Blackburn Rovers, who are reportedly keen to bring the 21-year-old to Ewood Park - but have so far been put off by his £3m valuation.

However, in a report on Sunday morning from transfer expert Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Stockport are now sniffing around Bolton's Forrester, as Championship sides continue to circle around Pye.

Stockport County keen on Will Forrester amid Ethan Pye interest

As mentioned, both Stockport and Bolton are gearing up for a promotion challenge next season. But in a surprise twist, we could see the two rivals do some transfer business with each other.

Forrester arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in 2023, following a breakthrough season with Port Vale, but has struggled for minutes on a consistent basis, playing just 37 times in League One during his two seasons at the club so far.

Despite a strong run of games which saw him named Bolton's Player of the Month in February, reports from Nixon suggest that local rivals Stockport are keen to bring the 24-year-old to Edgeley Park, as they continue to face Championship interest in star defender Pye.

Forrester currently finds himself fighting for his place at Bolton, and a move to Greater Manchester could reportedly be an attractive prospect for the player, with more minutes likely on offer with Dave Challinor's side - even though Finland international centre-half Arttu Hoskonen looks set to arrive at Edgeley Park on a free transfer following his departure from KS Cracovia.

A Stockport County move for Will Forrester could be the best for all parties

Unfortunately for Forrester, game-time for Steven Schumacher's side has been harder to come by than he would've liked, since his arrival in Lancashire in the summer of 2023.

At 24 years old, Forrester is at a key stage in his career where he needs to be playing regular minutes to ensure he continues to develop as a player, which he isn't currently getting at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

That's why a move for the centre-back could be good for all parties involved. Bolton will likely get a solid fee for Forrester from County, which can be reinvested into the squad, and his departure would also free up a spot in the squad.

As for Stockport, they get a new defender who is proven at League One level, and could be a strong long-term option thanks to his relatively young age. Forrester himself will likely find minutes easier to come by at Edgeley Park as well, so the move makes sense for all involved parties.