Bolton Wanderers linked with Derby County & Rotherham United for released PNE attacker

Bolton Wanderers have been linked along with a couple of other clubs for released Preston North End attacker Tom Barkhuizen.

The 28-year-old has departed Deepdale after his contract at the Championship club ran out. He racked up more than 200 appearances for North End, scoring 38 goals during his time at the club.

But Ryan Lowe has opted to release the attacker, who can operate across the front three. He is now a free agent and can move on to pastures new without a transfer fee.

READ MORE:Championship released players Bolton Wanderers, Portsmouth & Sheffield Wednesday could sign for free

Wanderers have already made one acquisition so far in the transfer market. Jack Iredale has joined from Cambridge United on a three-year deal on a free transfer.

More incomings are being sought this summer, including the return of loanees from last season in the form of defender Marlon Fossey from Fulham and young Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. Ian Evatt intends to have the bulk of his transfer business done by the start of pre-season training in mid-June.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Wanderers are one of three clubs seeking to make offers to Barkhuizen for his services. Newly promoted Championship side Rotherham United and relegated Derby County, who will be in League One alongside Bolton new season, are the other two.

Barkhuizen suffered a disrupted final season at Deepdale owing to injury and illness limiting his time on the pitch. He played 14 times in all competitions last season, without finding the back of the net.

If he were to join Wanderers, Barkhuizen would join a competitive area of the squad bulging with talent. This includes Dion Charles, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Amadou Bakayoko, Dapo Afolayan, Kieran