Bolton flash the scash for Eaves

TOM EAVES . . . clubs are clamouring for the young Athletic striker’s signature.

Young striker may return on loan if deal goes ahead

BOLTON Wanderers appear to be in pole position to land top Athletic prospect Tom Eaves.

The Premier League club are believed to have made a big offer for the 18-year-old striker, who was omitted from manager Paul Dickov's squad at the weekend in order to protect him from possible injury.

Athletic are seeking a large chunk of the transfer fee, which is set to be well in excess of the unsuccessful £250,000 bid made by Blackpool, up front.

A sell-on clause will also be built into any deal, while there is also interest in having Eaves loaned back to Boundary Park for a season to continue his football education under Dickov.

While Bolton, who witnessed first-hand Eaves' potential when the Liverpool-born striker netted a pre-season hat-trick against them, are leading the hunt, there is also a rival offer from Burnley to consider, while Premier League new boys Blackpool could yet re-ignite their interest.

"It is common knowledge that a number of clubs are showing interest in Tom," said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy. "Negotiations are ongoing."

Getting Eaves back in the picture would hand Dickov a big boost, particularly given the fears which exist over Ryan Brooke.

The teenage striker injured his ankle in a pre-season clash against Preston. His scan results are expected soon, but the player is still in pain and could be out of action for a number of months.

Athletic gave a debut to new on-loan Sunderland striker Oumare Tounkara in the 2-1 win at Prenton Park on Saturday and Dickov was pleased with his contribution.

“Considering he has only trained for 40 minutes on Friday, to get 80 minutes out of him was good," said Dickov of the 20-year-old French prospect.

“He has not had a lot of football in pre-season, at this level at least, and maybe he tired a bit.

“But on the evidence of that run-out, he will be a handful.”

Fellow new boy Jean-Yves Mvoto, who has also arrived from Sunderland, did not appear from the substitutes' bench but may make his Athletic debut in tomorrow night's Carling Cup tie at Scunthorpe (7.45pm kick-off).

Athletic are running a supporters' coach to the game and places are still available to buy in the club shop at a cost of £15.

Admission on the night at Glanford Park is priced at £15 for adults, £8 for senior citizens and under-21s and £5 for under-16s.