Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has admitted that conversations are currently taking place regarding the possibility of Eoin Doyle sealing an exit from the club this month.

A recent report from the Irish Independent revealed that St Patrick's Athletic were lining up a move for the forward.

However, the League of Ireland side were believed to be facing a stumbling block due to the length of Doyle's contract at Bolton.

The forward's current deal is set to run until 2023 and thus the Trotters will be able to request a respectable fee for the 33-year-old in the coming weeks.

Bolton opted to bolster their attacking options at the weekend as they sealed a permanent deal for Dion Charles.

The former Accrington Stanley man will be hoping to lead the line for the foreseeable future and could potentially make his debut against Hartlepool United in the EFL Trophy tomorrow.

Following his side's recent defeat to Rotherham United, Evatt shared an update on Doyle's situation at Bolton.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about the forward, Evatt said: "Eoin will always be a player, while he is still a player, that is wanted by other people.

"His goalscoring record is outstanding at every division and what we've done and what we've said to Eoin from day one is we will do anything we can to support you and what you want to do.

"Obviously there's a lot of speculation about Irish teams.

 

 

"Eoin is an Irish lad, his family is Irish.

"It was always the plan to move home, so there's conversations taking place but nothing's finalised at all yet."

The Verdict

When you consider that Doyle is seemingly looking to end his career in Ireland, it wouldn't be at all surprising if he leaves Bolton in January.

Although the forward has shown glimpses of his talent by scoring five goals in the third-tier this season, he could find it difficult to compete with Charles for a starting role as his new team-mate managed to find the back of the net on 19 occasions at this level during the previous campaign.

With Evatt revealing that conversations are currently taking place regarding a potential departure, Bolton will need to make sure that they are able to secure a reasonable amount of money for Doyle before parting ways with him.

The Trotters could use the money generated from Doyle's exit to strengthen their squad in other areas as they look to achieve a relative amount of success in the third-tier in the coming months.