Transfer Gossip: Wolves linked with Bolton youngster

According to Football Insider, Wolves are amongst a number of Premier League clubs that are keeping tabs on U18 star, Finlay Lockett.

An article from Football Insider states:

“Wolves are among a number of top Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Bolton Wanderers rising star Finlay Lockett, Football Insider can reveal.

Lockett is a 17-year-old left winger who is a 2nd-year scholar at the club and has made five appearances for the club’s first-team.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider he is yet to be handed a pro deal due to the financial situation at Bolton.

Lockett became Bolton’s second youngest ever debutant at just 16 last season and made two further appearances last term.

He has added to his senior experience this season and was handed his full debut by Ian Evatt in the Trotters’ 2-1 loss to Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy in October.

The Englishman has not featured for Evatt’s side the visit of Shrewsbury but has instead been a regular for the club’s Under-18s.”

This would not be the first time that Wolves have raided the lower leagues for young talent after signing Luke Matheson from Rochdale last year for a “seven figure fee.”

After Bolton got rid of the U23 set up last season, Lockett could see a Premier League Development Squad as a fantastic opportunity and next step in his career. The quoted “financial situation” that the article alluded too could be of cause for concern at Wanderers if true, given the number of First Team and Scholars of whose contracts are due to expire in summer.

Lockett made his debut after coming on as a second half substitute in the memorable 0-0 draw versus Coventry City at the start of last season. Let’s hope Wanderers can tie down one of our most promising youngsters having returned 8 goals and 7 assists in 14 games for the U18s this season.