Exclusive: Salford City respond to Bolton Wanderers’ Kelly Nmai bid
Bolton Wanderers have had a bid for Salford City attacker Kelly Nmai rejected, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gary Neville and David Beckham-owned club have knocked back the offer as they battle to keep hold of the 21-year-old, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at the Peninsula Stadium last season.
Nmai has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the EFL after impressing at Salford, and sources have told Football Insider that Bolton have attempted to add him to their attacking options.
The Dutchman netted nine goals and provided four assists last season, and could be set to leave this summer after Karl Robinson‘s Ammies finished eighth and within a point of the League Two play-offs.
Bolton mean business with Kelly Nmai pursuit
Nmai isn’t the only highly sought-after Ammies player this summer, after Football Insider revealed on 11 June that Premier League side Burnley had failed with their bid to sign Salford teenager Kyrell Malcolm.
Although the valuation of Bolton’s initial bid for Nmai has not been disclosed, Football Insider sources have said that it was rejected as Salford anticipate other clubs circling their highly-rated number 10.
Bolton, however, have already made significant strides this summer and if they succeed with a second bid for Nmai, he’d become their fifth new arrival of the transfer window after some impressive business.
Nmai transfer could create new-look frontline for Bolton
Football Insider Verdict
Football Insider revealed on 6 June that Bolton had won the race to sign Wrexham striker Sam Dalby, after he finished as the Scottish Premiership’s joint third-highest scorer while on loan at Dundee United.
Chelsea academy goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe could soon follow and the Trotters spent roughly £300,000 on Hull City midfielder Xavier Simons, as well as signing St. Mirren defender Richard Taylor.
With Dalby leading the line and Simons in midfield, Nmai could prove to be a key piece of the Trotters’ jigsaw, but only if Steven Schumacher’s side succeed with another bid for the ex-Man City and Man United trialist.