Bolton Wanderers facing new Blackburn Rovers transfer threat in Liverpool race | OneFootball

Bolton are keen on securing a deal for Luca Stephenson following their promotion to the Championship

Bolton Wanderers have earned their promotion back to the Championship through the play-offs, joining Lincoln City and Cardiff at second-tier level once more after a seven-year absence.

Steven Schumacher’s side finished fifth in the League One table, before beating both Bradford City and Stockport County en route to their return to the Championship.

The Whites will be keen to use the summer to bolster the squad in order to maintain a competitive level and avoid the drop back down to the third division.

It could be a busy few months ahead for the club, who have not competed in the Championship since 2019.

Bolton have already been linked with the signing of Liverpool's Luca Stephenson as they eye reinforcements in midfield after also completing the capture of David Watson from Kilmarnock.

However, concluding a deal with the Premier League side could yet prove tricky as they face competition for his signature.

Bolton face Liverpool transfer tussle

It has been reported by the Daily Mail that Blackburn Rovers are set to compete with Bolton for the signing of Stephenson this summer.

While it was originally hoped that a deal could be done with the Reds for £700,000, they are now believed to be holding out for £1 million.

And if Bolton are unwilling to match that figure, then the Lancashire outfit could strike and swoop in to complete his signature instead.

The 22-year-old is not part of Liverpool’s first team plans for next season after he spent the last two campaigns on loan with Scottish side Dundee United.

During his time with the Tangerines, the youngster made 60 league appearances, contributing eight goals and seven assists.

Bolton are understood to be at the front of the queue to sign Stephenson, who is attracting interest from a number of clubs in England and Scotland.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Championship side will be willing to pay the full £1 million figure, which includes possible add-ons.

Stephenson has come through the Liverpool academy system, but has been unable to break into the first team squad, also spending time on loan with Barrow in League Two during 2023/24.

Andoni Iraola is in line to become the next head coach at Anfield following the decision to sack league-winning Arne Slot last weekend.

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League table just 12 months on from their 20th title triumph.

Iraola is available as a free agent following his exit from Bournemouth, who finished just below the Merseyside outfit in sixth.

Luca Stephenson move would be a statement of intent from Bolton

Bolton spending up to £1 million to sign Stephenson ahead of Blackburn would be a strong statement of their intent for this summer.

Reinforcing the midfield this early in the transfer market would also be a positive sign for further investment to come, as the squad will need bolstering for next season.

If Bolton are going to compete in the Championship then that means also competing in the transfer market, and pushing for someone like Stephenson could be just what the team needs too.

The 22-year-old performed well over the last two years in Scotland, and has shown he is a dependable option that can also provide attacking threat in the final third.