Bolton Wanderers must be on red alert as Millwall eye ex-Leeds United striker | OneFootball

Millwall are eyeing former Leeds United and MK Dons striker Max Dean, but Bolton Wanderers must be on red alert to the situation...

Bolton Wanderers have enjoyed a productive summer as they prepare for life back in the Championship, but there is still work to be done if they are to establish themselves in the second tier.

Steven Schumacher has already strengthened key areas of his squad, yet adding further attacking quality will definitely be decisive in determining whether Bolton Wanderers merely survive or push towards a more comfortable position in mid-table.

Recruitment in forward areas has been a recurring theme for Bolton over the past couple of transfer windows. The club have previously shown an interest in hard-working, energetic strikers capable of pressing from the front, with Johnny Kenny fitting that profile before remaining at Celtic.

Bolton should rival Millwall for Gent striker Max Dean

Kenny's impact underlines the type of forward Schumacher appears to value, as someone who contributes as much without the ball as with it. With that in mind, one recent transfer development elsewhere in the Championship should have Bolton paying particularly close attention.

According to a Football League World exclusive, it's reported that Millwall are interested in Gent striker Max Dean. While the Lions' interest is understandable, Bolton arguably have an even stronger case for pursuing the former Leeds United and MK Dons youngster.

Dean has quietly built his reputation in Belgium since leaving England, but he now appears to have reached a stage where regular football is becoming increasingly important. He has often been used as an impact substitute by Gent, with his energy and sharp finishing ability enabling him to influence games from the bench.

That said, consistent starts are not always easy to come by. He has started 29 of his 56 appearances, with the vast majority of those coming in his first season at the club. In that time, he has scored 20 and assisted three.

Starts on a consistent basis are likely to be the next step if he is to fulfil his considerable potential. That is where Bolton could present an attractive proposition for the 22-year-old this summer, rivalling Millwall for his services.

Dean's roots in the North West, having been born in Ormskirk, would likely make a return to the region appealing, while Bolton's ambitious project under Schumacher could offer the platform he needs. The Trotters have shown they are prepared to back their manager, and a deal for Dean feels as though it would be financially achievable compared to many other attacking targets on the market.

Max Dean would be an excellent Johnny Kenny alternative for Bolton Wanderers

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However, it goes beyond Dean's potential interest in such a switch. From a stylistic perspective, the fit also makes plenty of sense. Like Kenny was last season, Dean is an aggressive presser who relishes closing defenders down and setting the tone from the front.

He is mobile, willing to run channels, and constantly looks to unsettle opposition back lines with his sheer relentlessness. Those qualities are invaluable in the Championship, where intensity often separates good teams from average ones across a demanding 46-game season.

Just as importantly, Dean would offer tactical flexibility. Sam Dalby provides a more traditional focal point with his height and aerial presence, but Dean could either operate alongside him in a complementary partnership or replace him in matches requiring greater mobility and pressing intensity.

That variation would hand Schumacher more options depending on the opposition. There is also a case for suggesting Bolton still need an upgrade on their current attacking options. While the existing group has qualities, adding a younger striker with Dean's ceiling could significantly raise the competition for places and ensure standards remain high throughout the campaign.

There are also question marks over Dalby and other Bolton forwards stepping up to the Championship from League One. Such a concern is less of a worry with Dean, given that a side that finished third l\in the second tier last season are keen to bring him in this summer.

Why Millwall should be looking elsewhere in the transfer market

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Despite the sale of Macaulay Langstaff to Salford City, Millwall are already relatively well stocked in forward areas. The Lions can call upon recent addition Tairyk Arconte, while Mihailo Ivanovic and Josh Coburn also provide more powerful options through the middle.

Dean would undoubtedly strengthen their squad, but opportunities to establish himself as an undisputed starter could prove more limited. Bolton can therefore offer something different, rather than simply becoming another option in an already crowded attack.

Instead, Dean could arrive with a realistic chance of playing a major role immediately. If the Trotters are serious about consolidating themselves in the Championship and perhaps exceeding expectations, this feels like a transfer race they should not allow Millwall to win without a fight.

If Kenny is not signed permanently, it makes sense for Dean to be a consideration for Bolton. It would also make more sense for Dean to join the Trotters over the Lions, too.