The Imps are thought to be closing in on the first deal of the transfer window, with Cian Bolger allegedly in advanced talks with Danny and Nicky.
The Fleetwood defender has also been targeted by Bradford City, having expressed his intention to leave his current club at the end of his deal. He’s out of contract in the summer and has not been included in either of the last two matches Joey Barton’s side have played in.
Journalist Alan Nixon states that we’ve moved into pole position, despite interest not only from League One Bradford City, but also Tranmere in our own division. If Bolger does chose to come to us, it would be a significant coup given that both the other suitors would be closer to his current home.
The Blackpool Gazette are convinced he’s coming here, reporting yesterday that a deal is expected to be tied up this week. Knowing Danny, it wouldn’t mean him being included in the first team straight away, but he’s bound to be around the action as the second half of the season progresses.
It’s seems that the giant centre back has taken a decision to leave Fleetwood for nothing in the summer, which is going to prompt us to swoop and pay a fee. Joey Barton spoke of his upset at the situation and of being forced into action by Bolger.
“From my understanding, he is intent on running his contract down and going on a free transfer, which puts him in a limbo position. I said to him I cannot have a player who clearly wants to leave the club involved in the first team.”
“I’m not saying Bolger is not 100 per cent committed but he has made it clear he does not want to stay at the football club. That was made clear before I got here and since I have got here nothing much really has changed on that. Players who do not sign contracts and again he is in that weird stand-off.”
“It was probably fostered last January, when there was interest in him. I don’t know what went on because I was not at the club but that is something that has not been revolved since. How do we resolve it? There has to be a desire by both parties to do so. To be honest I’m not sure there is. I only want players at Fleetwood Town who want to be here. If you do not want to be here, then do not be here.”
Only a year ago it seemed as though Bolger was destined to move up, rather than down the divisions. In 2017 he was earmarked by Bristol City as a possible recruit for them, with Hull City amongst the suitors in the summer. It seems that Barton is suggesting the player was denied a move in the last window, which has caused some anger with the club.
Who is Cian Bolger? He’s a 26-year-old centre back from Ireland who has represented Eire to Under 21 level, but not made a senior appearance for his country. He came through the ranks at Leicester City and spent time at Bolton, but made most of his appearances during loan spells with Bristol Rovers and Colchester. He later joined Southend where he played 51 times before being signed by Fleetwood.
It would be an odd acquisition in terms of position, with several centre backs at the club it seems to be one position we do not need recruits, but perhaps with one eye on Shackell’s age and Wharton’s loan, we’re thinking ahead to a possible League One campaign. There’s little doubt Bolger has immense quality, but the value will be if he arrives as the first of three or four new faces of the same sort of quality.
Could be your younger brother, Gary… Would be a very good acquisition.