Southend United are reportedly leading the chase to sign Bolton defender Cian Bolger on loan, with St Mirren also said to be interested.
Bolger joined Wanderers from Leicester City in January 2013 and has yet to make his competitive senior debut for the club, although he has featured extensively during the club's pre-season schedule.
The 22-year-old, who is the regular captain of the Trotters' development squad, is behind the likes of Matt Mills, Tim Ream, David Wheater and Dorian Dervite in the pecking order at the Macron Stadium, but remains a long-term feature of Dougie Freedman's plans and is expected to seal a loan switch before the start of the season.
Bolger made four appearances during a 28-day loan spell at Colchester United last season, before seeing another temporary stint at Southend come to an abrupt end in February - after injuring ankle ligaments in his one and only appearance for Phil Brown's side.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 international could complete a similar move to Joe Riley, who will play his football at Oxford United until January 1, 2015.
Pos | Team | Pld | Pts |
1 | Cheltenham Town | 40 | 72 |
2 | Cambridge United | 41 | 71 |
3 | Bolton Wanderers | 40 | 67 |
4 | Tranmere Rovers | 40 | 65 |
5 | Morecambe | 40 | 63 |
View Full Standings >> |