Transfer Gossip: Burke set for loan return

It is being reported that following a brief return to parent club West Ham United, Reece Burke is set to rejoin his Bolton team mates today on a second loan deal.

After his initial loan expired at the beginning of the month, Bolton fans were prepared to see neither Burke or Josh Cullen return to Wanderers. However, with little room for manoeuvre given that they could only return to Bolton, Burke has seemingly decided that a loan return would be the best move for him personally whilst Josh Cullen appears to be staying at the London Stadium.

Burke’s return still hangs in limbo, however, we’re his only option at the end of the day and the pressure is therefore off to fend off the competition for the centre half/defensive midfielder until right before the deadline.

Burke was temporarily a fairly big loss whilst Beevers was out for a few weeks on medical grounds and Wheater’s fitness was failing him and the need for back up is crucial as despite Dervite’s presence, versatility to cover all defensive basis’ is quite sparse and to have Burke there as cover and even play along side Henry in front of the back four would also work nicely.

Having grabbed himself his first goal for West Ham last week, Burke’s confidence will be sky high and to get him in now would be ideal timing, especially whilst Prately remains out long-term and defensive cover is still few and far between.

I presume there’s still a lot of work to be done on this one as there is with any transfer but whilst everything is up in the air, I’m hoping we can get this one finalised relatively easily and this is arguably the most hassle-free deal you'll see us do all year...he says...famous last words and all that.

Anyway, it’s a shame that Cullen won’t be coming back but Burke’s willingness and defensive capabilities is re-assuring and I hope we can get this one over the line if none others.