Exclusive: Bolton Wanderers lining up transfer agreement for Lincoln City star | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers are interested in Lincoln City's highly-rated defender Sean Roughan, Football League World understands

Bolton Wanderers are looking to acquire Lincoln City defender Sean Roughan ahead of this summer, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

The Trotters concluded the 2024/25 League One campaign in eighth position and ten points shy of sixth-placed Leyton Orient as a late-season collapse saw Steven Schumacher’s side miss out on a third successive top-six finish.

Ahead of Schumacher’s first full season with the club, however, having taken over from Ian Evatt back in January, promotion will be the objective and work is already underway to identify and land targets capable of helping Bolton to go one better and return to the Championship next time out.

Bolton Wanderers' transfer interest in Lincoln City's Sean Roughan

Sources close to FLW have revealed that Bolton are lining up a move for Roughan, who is out of contract at Lincoln next month.

Should Roughan fail to pen fresh terms at Sincil Bank, he will be available as a free agent although Bolton, or any other club who potentially lands his services, would have to pay Lincoln a compensation fee owing to his age.

The 21-year-old has already clocked up close to 150 appearances for Lincoln and has transitioned into a first-team regular over the last two seasons.

In 2024/25, the Republic of Ireland youth international played every single minute of both league and cup action for the Imps and was a key part of an often-dependable backline.

Capable of playing as both a left-back or in central defence, Roughan’s versatility is bound to make him an attractive proposition as the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future in Lincolnshire rumbles on.

Bolton Wanderers' Sean Roughan, Lincoln City transfer pursuit makes perfect sense

It’s little wonder why Bolton are looking to pull off the signing of Roughan this summer.

Having kept just nine clean sheets while conceding an average of 1.7 goals per match in 24/25, Bolton’s backline requires work if they are to contend for promotion next time out.

Roughan, naturally, would not iron out all of the side’s defensive shortcomings on his own, but he would be an upgrade on what they currently have and also represents a long-term option in Schumacher’s defence.