Bolton Wanderers are hoping to agree a new contract with Phil Parkinson this weekend before their opening fixture of the Sky Bet Championship campaign, according to the Bolton News.

Leeds United visit the Macron Stadium on Sunday afternoon and Bolton and Parkinson hope to have reached an agreement over a contract extension for the 49-year-old and his backroom staff.

Speaking about his proposed new deal with Bolton, Parkinson said: “We are close to getting it done. Possibly in the next day or so.

“We have enjoyed our first year at Bolton and got a great working relationship with the chairman and the rest of the board. We want to continue it."

Parkinson signed a two-year deal with Bolton last summer, turning his back on Bradford City, where he had enjoyed years of success before his move to Lancashire.

During his first 12-months with Bolton, Parkinson helped the club to automatic promotion from League One, guiding the Trotters back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

Bolton finished the 2016/17 campaign second in the table with 86 points, a mammoth 14 points behind Sheffield United, who stormed to the League One title in spectacular fashion.

Parkinson is now preparing for his return to the Championship, having not managed in the second-tier for a number of years.

The 49-year-old faces a tough task, with a resurgent Leeds club visiting the Macron Stadium under the leadership of Thomas Christiansen – who will be getting his first taste of Championship football.

The Verdict

If Bolton and Parkinson can agree a contract extension ahead of tomorrow’s fixture, it will hand everybody associated with the club a massive boost heading into the new season.

Leeds will head to the Macron Stadium as favourites, but Parkinson will be looking to cause a major upset on Bolton’s return to the second-tier.

Parkinson is completely deserving of a new contract at the Macron Stadium, having done a magnificent job during his 12-months at the helm.

However, the 49-year-old faces perhaps the biggest challenge of his career, as he looks to help Bolton establish themselves in the Championship.

 Bolton fans… Let us know your thoughts!