Bolton Wanderers are assessing a potential new signing with a striker currently on trial with the club.

Phil Parkinson lost top scorer and important target man Gary Madine on deadline day after he joined promotion-chasing Cardiff City for a fee believed to be around £6m.

However, the Trotters were unable to replace their star man given the time it took for the deal to complete.

Bolton look very short up front with Sammy Ameobi operating in a more central role, although Zach Clough and Tyler Walker have offered more options for Parkinson in the final third.

Nevertheless, none of the trio are natural strikers and can't play with their back to goal like Madine could which has been a slight problem.

Therefore, Parkinson is still on the lookout for free agents and, according to journalist Alan Nixon, a striker with a 'reasonable CV' is on trial with the Championship side.

As the player is without a club, there's no rush to complete a deal although Bolton would want the new man as soon as possible given they've scored twice in their past four games ahead of the crunch clash against Sunderland tonight.

The Verdict

Obviously it's difficult to comment on the signing as the identity of the player hasn't been revealed but it's fair to say Bolton need a striker.

The two goals they've scored since Madine left have been unbelievable individual efforts and you can't rely on players to produce that magic every week.

Parkinson has created a well organised side but they are clearly light up front so a new signing could be exactly what they need to ensure survival.

Thoughts, Bolton fans? Let us know in the comments below.