Bolton Wanderers look set to miss out on Reece Burke, according to a reliable football journalist.

Alan Nixon is reporting on Twitter that Bolton are now set to consider alternative targets at centre back as West Ham United look likely to keep Burke at the club.

Reece Burke spent the first half of the season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, playing 15 times in all competitions for the Trotters.

The youngster was then recalled by the Hammers - alongside team mate Josh Cullen - and a host of Championship clubs were said to be interested in him.

But Burke and Cullen then featured for West Ham in their FA Cup stalemate against Shrewsbury Town, meaning that they could not be sent anywhere else on loan but back to Bolton.

This was encouraging news for the Trotters but it appears that David Moyes has taken an interest in what Burke and Cullen can offer his first team.

Both players were on the bench in Saturday's 4-1 win over Huddersfield Town in the league.

And with James Collins, Jose Fonte and Winston Reid struggling with injuries, it looks like Burke is set to stay at West Ham and provide depth to their defensive options.

Bolton will now look at a Premier League centre back on a loan with a view to buy deal, although Nixon is remaining coy on who that might be.

The Verdict

Reece Burke is a talented defender and Bolton could have benefited from having him in their ranks for the relegation battle. But he is West Ham's player and - given their recent injury woes at the back - you cannot blame Moyes for wanting to keep his young defender. At the age of 21, the West Ham academy product needs to be breaking into the first team now or risk being sold in the summer.

Bolton fans - Who could this mystery centre back be? Let us know below...