Departing PNE attacker sends summer message amid Bolton Wanderers & Derby County transfer link

Tom Barkhuizen has said he is 'looking forward to what the future holds this summer' following his deprature from Preston North End amid transfer links to several teams including Bolton Wanderers.

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.

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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.

Over the weekend, reports suggested 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.

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 Sadlier and Elias Kachunga.

Barkhuizen came through the youth team ranks at Blackpool, Evatt's former club, and played 27 times and scored