Transfer Gossip: Ched Evans to Join Bolton Wanderers

After a failed bid to join the club in January, it seems that Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson is to get his man, at last, with former Manchester City and Sheffield United striker Ched Evans set to become one of the first signings of our new era.

Notching an impressive 17 goals in 39 appearances for Fleetwood Town last season, it appears that his immediate availability and recent record in League One has convinced Parkinson to make Evans a Wanderer - potentially even by Saturday’s league opener away at Wycombe Wanderers.

Evans, 30, was convicted of rape in April 2012 and spent two and a half years in prison. His conviction was quashed on 21 April 2016 by the Court of Appeal, and a retrial was ordered. On 14 October 2016, he was found not guilty.

Some will no doubt find his past too unsavoury and therefore feel that Wanderers shouldn’t be signing people of his dubious moral character, conviction or otherwise. Some would, meanwhile, look at his goal record (especially compared to someone like Josh Magennis and find the Evans move incredibly positive.

Where do you stand on this? Let us know beneath the line.

Wanderers have also been linked with a loan move for Preston North End youngster Josh Earl. The 20 year old left back played sixteen times for North End last season.