Holding out for a midfielder

It's looking more likely every day that Jay Spearing will not be coming back to Bolton Wanderers this coming season. His possible replacement, Australian captain Mark Milligan, has seen his Wanderers move derailed due to work permit issues.

Spearing played a major role last season, so the club obviously need to find a replacement. With the club still under an embargo, here are five free agents who are possible replacements for Jay Spearing.

Youssouf Mulumbu

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Former PSG midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is a free agent after leaving Norwich City last month. The DR Congo captain, 30, had played in England since 2009, firstly with West Bromwich Albion, before moving to Norwich City in 2015. Mulumbu has clocked up over 200 appearances in the Premier League and Championship, so would definitely be a great signing for Wanderers. A move to Fulham was mooted but never materialised. Wages may be a problem though.

Esteban Cambiasso

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Former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Leicester City midfielder Esteban Cambiasso is a free agent after leaving Olympiacos at the end of last season. At the age of 36, Cambiasso has bags of experience. A definite coup for Wanderers, although I do highly doubt the Champions League winner would want to end his career at The Macron. Obviously Bolton Wanderers have no chance of signing Cambiasso.

Jason Lowe

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Former England U21 international Jason Lowe is a free agent after leaving Blackburn Rovers. 25 year old Lowe had been with Rovers since 2003, playing nearly 200 games. Probably a much cheaper option than Mulumbu, Lowe has plenty of experience at Championship level.

Kyle Ebecilio

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Former Arsenal youth player Kyle Ebecilio is available on a free. The 23 year old, a former Dutch U21 international, has played in the Eredivisie for FC Twente, and has experience in The Championship, having had a loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2015.

Danny Guthrie

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The last player is a familiar one to Bolton fans. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie spent the 2007/2008 season on loan at The Reebok, scoring once in 35 games. Guthrie went on to have spells with Newcastle United, Reading and Blackburn Rovers. Now 30, Guthrie could be another cheaper alternative for Wanderers.

Can you think of any other free agents i've missed? Let me know in the comments box below.