Following a shaky first half of the 2021-22 season, Bolton Wanderers' upturn in form between January 2022 and the end of the campaign saw them build a positive platform for this coming summer.

When the 2022-23 League One season begins at the end of July, the Trotters could be classed as one of the promotion favourites, depending on the kind of transfer moves they make between now and then.

A strong January window saw the likes of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Kyle Dempsey, Aaron Morley and Dion Charles arrive on permanent deals, and they were the catalyst for positive results that eventually saw them finish in ninth position in the third tier.

Ian Evatt has already gotten started on his summer recruitment by sealing a deal for Cambridge United defender Jack Iredale, but could he be joined by other League One players?

Let's look at eight third tier individuals that could be realistic additions to the Trotters side in the coming months.

23-year-old Sykes shone for Accrington Stanley last season, ranking second in the entire league when it came to interceptions per game according to WhoScored, and it's no surprise to see other clubs are interested in signing him this summer.

With one year remaining on his contract at the Wham Stadium, the likes of Middlesbrough and Millwall have watched him, as well as Bolton's league rivals Barnsley for next season.

Sykes could be an ideal partner for George Johnston and Ricardo Santos, but they may have to move quick as Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise are also thought to be keen, according to Alan Nixon.

There are some potential bargains to be had in the free agents market for League One clubs this summer, and Berahino is one player on the lookout for a contract.

Despite scoring eight times for Sheffield Wednesday in 31 appearances, the Burundi international striker's deal was not renewed, but he could offer something at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Berahino could be the missing link in Evatt's front two who links the play up to the likes of Dion Charles and Oladapo Afolayan - he's definitely still got something to offer in the third tier.

Another player who was released by Wednesday was Dunkley, who after two years at Hillsborough and just 32 appearances was shown the exit door.

In fairness, the towering centre-back has struggled with some injuries during his time at Wednesday, but he has won promotion with Wigan from League One before, having scored seven goals during the 2017-18 season, so if the 30-year-old is kept fit then he can be an asset.

Dunkley is potentially too similar a player to Ricardo Santos to play together in the same back-line, but he could be a good rotational option.

Bolton will be joined by Barnsley in League One next season, and one player who is yet to agree a new deal with the Tykes is Palmer.

The 23-year-old midfielder used to be on the books of Manchester City and is from Greater Manchester, so he will know the area well, and he could bolster Evatt's midfield department - even though it's perhaps not a desperate need.

Aaron Morley, Kyle Dempsey, MJ Williams and Kieran Lee are all solid options, but with 69 appearances at Championship level in the past two seasons, Palmer could be too good of an opportunity to pass up.

A potential new striker has already been mentioned in Berahino - an option that would cost considerably more than him though but almost certainly guarantees goals at League One level is Stockton.

Stockton hadn't been prolific anywhere until he signed permanently for Morecambe three years ago, and after a poor first season at the Shrimps, he exploded into life during the 2020-21 campaign.

In the last two seasons, Stockton has notched 35 goals in all competitions, and with one year remaining on his Morecambe contract, the 28-year-old could have his eyes elsewhere - he is perhaps a little too similar to Bodvarsson though in terms of his playing style to be considered.

Out of contract at Burton Albion this summer, Hamer has impressed for the Brewers in the last 18 months, and his performances could get him a better contract elsewhere.

The 22-year-old is Bolton born-and-bred but came through the Oldham Athletic academy and is able to operate at both wing-back positions, as well as at centre-back.

At an age where he can still develop and is already a solid League One-level operator, Hamer could be a shrewd addition to the Wanderers squad this summer.

Even though the centre of midfield as pointed out is probably not a priority position for Bolton this summer, McGrandles could be an interesting addition to the squad.

Having spent two years at Lincoln City, the Scot is moving on for a fresh challenge, and he's more-than proven he's good enough for a promotion-chasing League One side with his performances for the Imps.

Some players are worth getting in on free transfers, even if they're not needed, and McGrandles, who scored twice in League One for Lincoln last season, would be one of those.

If Dapo Afolayan departs for a big fee this summer then he would need to be replaced, and Phillips of Morecambe could fit the bill as a potential option in the number 10 role.

The 24-year-old made another loan move to the Shrimps last summer from Burnley, scoring six times and notching eight assists during the League One campaign, but it's highly unlikely that Morecambe could afford to make his move permanent.

Bolton though probably do have the funds to make such a move possible, and he is a player they should pursue.