Bolton Wanderers captain Ricardo Santos is currently being monitored by Championship clubs, as per a report from The Bolton News. 

The Trotters have offered the 26-year-old fresh terms at The University of Bolton Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in 2023. 

Wearing the captain's armband from late October onwards, Santos has featured regularly for Ian Evatt's side this season, starting 32 of Bolton's 37 league games so far this season. 

The Portuguese defender signed from Barnet in the summer of 2020, playing every single minute of Bolton's promotion-winning League Two campaign last time out. 

Speaking to The Bolton News about what could happen in the summer, regarding some of his players, Evatt said: “The problem we have when we are playing like we are at the moment is people get highlighted and targeted. 

“I have no doubt we’ll be tested in the summer and whatever decisions we do make will be what we feel is in the best interests of the football club. But we are under no pressure to sell. It will be what we feel is right, Sharon (Brittan) and myself and the rest of the board."

The verdict 

It is no surprise to see that higher-level clubs are watching over Santos and his continued progression at The University of Bolton Stadium. 

Not only does he possess the physical and athletic traits required to thrive in the Championship, but he is also someone who is continuing to grow technically, plus he has a lot of faith in his ability to bring the ball out from the back and is usually accurate when going slightly longer. 

It remains to be seen what clubs are interested in the 26-year-old, and if they will be able to offer something that will be hard to turn down. 

Bolton will be hesitant to let Santos go, should a decent offer be presented, but with his contract ticking down, there will certainly be decisions to be made in the summer.