"Final six months of his contract" - Bolton Wanderers tipped to target two key areas in January | OneFootball

FLW's Bolton Wanderers fan pundit has given his view on whether the club will spend in the January transfer window.

This article is part of Football League World’s 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Bolton Wanderers in League One.

After a decline in form in the second half of last term saw them miss out on the automatic promotion places, Bolton suffered further heartbreak as they were beaten 2-0 by Oxford United in the play-off final at Wembley.

Following their second consecutive play-off defeat, it was a busy summer for the Trotters as eight new players arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium during the course of the transfer window.

However, the summer rebuild has not had the desired effect so far and Wanderers have not been battling for an automatic promotion spot in an inconsistent opening few months of the season, with pressure starting to build on manager Ian Evatt.

Results over the busy festive period could determine Evatt's future but should the 43-year-old still be in charge by the time the January transfer window opens, he may be keen to strengthen his squad.

Bolton Wanderers fan pundit outlines January transfer priorities

When asked if he believes the club will spend in January, FLW's Bolton Wanderers fan pundit Liam O'Meara said that further investment is needed in the winter window, pointing to central defence and midfield as two areas that require improvement.

"In terms of a number, it's always hard to say how much we'll spend, but I wouldn't be surprised if we did dip into the market," Liam said.

"Bolton seem really set on trying to switch the way they play into a 3-4-3 formation, but haven't had the players to do it, so I think they may well look at more central midfielders because I don't think Jay Matete has really hit the ground running at Bolton the way they thought he would do.

"The reason we haven't been able to switch to that formation is because I don't think he's been the sort of player that Bolton suspected he might have been, so I do think we'll look at the market.

"I also think we potentially will look at another centre-back because Ricardo Santos is now entering the final six months of his contract, and at the moment, there doesn't seem to be any sign of that being renewed."

With his team struggling for form on the pitch, the January transfer window could be the ideal opportunity for Evatt to refresh his squad.

However, owner Sharon Brittan confirmed that she increased investment in the squad during the summer and with his position currently under threat, she may be reluctant to give him more money to spend.

The Wanderers boss has hinted he expects it to be a busy period but whether the club chiefs are ready to back him again remains to be seen.

On paper, there is no doubt that Bolton have one of the best squads in League One, so Brittan may be keen for Evatt to get the best out of his existing players, but one or two quality additions could potentially transform the club's season.

For now, with his side facing many of those around them over the festive period, including the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Barnsley, Lincoln City, and Exeter City, Evatt will be fully concentrating on events on the pitch as he looks to save his job.