After sealing promotion to League One earlier this year, Bolton Wanderers would have been aiming to make a positive start to the 2021/22 campaign under the guidance of manager Ian Evatt.
However, the Trotters' progress in the third-tier has been hindered by a lack of consistency.
Currently 15th in the League One standings, it will be intriguing to see whether Bolton opt to engage in any transfer business during the upcoming window.
Whilst Evatt will be tempted to bolster his squad, he may also be looking to cut ties with some of his fringe players at the University of Bolton stadium.
Here, we have decided to take a look at THREE Bolton transfers that could happen next month...
Ronan Darcy is sent out on another loan deal
Sent out on a short-term loan deal by Bolton during the summer transfer window, Ronan Darcy is set to return to the club when his stint at Sogndal Fotball reaches a conclusion next month.
Darcy has made nine appearances for the Norwegian side this year and will be keen to force his way into Bolton's starting eleven when he does return to the club.
However, if Evatt is unable to offer the attacking midfielder the chance to play regularly for the club in 2022, it wouldn't be at all surprising if the 21-year-old seals another temporary exit from the Trotters in January.
Bolton strengthen their attacking options by signing a new striker
Although Dapo Afolayan has managed to demonstrate that he is capable of competing in the third-tier this season by scoring seven goals at this level, Eoin Doyle's performances have been relatively underwhelming.
Despite making 20 league appearances for the club, Doyle has only managed to score four goals in this particular division.
When you consider that the likes of Elias Kachunga and Amadou Bakayoko have also struggled with their consistency in recent months, Evatt may decide to bolster his attacking options by signing a striker who has a proven track-record of delivering the goods in League One.
The arrival of a new forward could force this aforementioned trio to step up their performances in the second-half of the campaign.
Xavier Amaechi's loan stint is extended
Xavier Amaechi would have been hoping to make a positive impact for Bolton this season after joining the club on a short-term loan deal from Hamburg earlier this year.
However, the 20-year-old has been limited to just six league appearances due to injury.
Having recently illustrated glimpses of his talent by scoring against Cheltenham Town in November, Amaechi will be keen to push on in the club's upcoming fixtures.
Considering that his deal is set to expire in January, Bolton will be looking to convince Hamburg to grant an extension.
Providing that the German side reach an agreement with the Trotters, Amaechi could potentially make considerable strides in terms of his development by featuring regularly for the League One outfit in the New Year.