Sources: Bolton Wanderers submit Max Dean offer

Bolton Wanderers have seen a bid rejected for KAA Gent striker Max Dean, sources have told Football Insider.

It is understood that the Trotters' offer for the 22-year-old came in at £1million, but has already been knocked back by the Belgian side.

Steven Schumacher's side are working to bolster their frontline after their promotion to the Championship, and view Dean as a top target.

The starlet netted seven goals from 23 league games during an injury-hit campaign last term, and has already featured for Gent in their UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign in recent weeks.

The former MK Dons man is tipped to have a big future ahead of him, and Bolton are now working to try and bring him back to the EFL.

Dean departed MK Dons for a fee of around £1.7m back in 2024, and Bolton's initial offer is below Gent's valuation of the player.

Bolton working on pair of striker deals

Bolton are working hard to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Championship, and that includes the planned additions of some extra firepower.

Schumacher's men had goals from all areas last term, but lacked a very reliable finisher, and that is something that they are hoping to rectify this summer.

Dean is a player who is firmly on their radar after some impressive displays in the Belgian top flight, and he could also provide versatility to their attack.

The forward can also play in the number 10 role, and is also capable of playing on the left wing and cutting in on his right foot.

Alongside their move for Dean, Bolton are also keen to reunite with former loanee Johnny Kenny, with reports in recent days suggesting that he is likely to be sold by Celtic this summer.

The pair are two emerging young forward talents, and could get the chance to shine together at Bolton next term.

Championship rivals seal striker deal

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Lincoln City had agreed a deal to sign young frontman Mason Melia on loan from Tottenham.

The Imps are likely to be a direct rival to Bolton in the lower reaches of the Championship table this term, having both been promoted from League One last time out.

Melia's move to the Midlands outfit has since been confirmed, and he brings an impressive scoring record, with 13 league strikes in just 35 games for St Patrick's Athletic in 2025.

Lincoln have strengthened their frontline ahead of their battle against the drop, and Bolton are now hoping to follow suit.