Bolton Wanderers have set their sights on Tottenham Hotspur prospect Jamie Donley ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The 20-year-old joined Stoke City on loan in the summer after impressing at Leyton Orient last season. Operating primarily in the number 10 role, the Northern Ireland international was a key component for the O’s during their march to the League One play-off final, where they narrowly lost to Charlton Athletic.
After pitching in with eight goals and 10 assists, Donley was named Orient’s Player of the Season. This led to Tottenham opting to send the youngster to the Championship for further experience, with Stoke winning the battle for his signature.
His time at the bet365 Stadium has been one to forget. The attacking midfielder has failed to start a single league game and hasn’t featured since the 2-0 defeat to Millwall in October. As such, it is expected that Spurs will cut his current temporary move short before moving him back to the third tier.
Bolton looking for additions to aid promotion push
Bolton remain desperate to end their five year stay in League One and find themselves sixth as we reach the end of 2025. However, they suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat against Mansfield Town last night which has left them seven points behind second-placed Lincoln City.
It’s no secret that head coach Steven Schumacher is looking to add to his ranks once the transfer window reopens later this week, with Shelbourne defender Lewis Temple expected to arrive at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. However, the former Plymouth Argyle boss is also said to be keen to add to his attacking ranks.
JAMIE DONLEY. THAT’S INCREDIBLE. 🤯
The @SpursOfficial loanee with an incredible effort from distance that ends up in the net to give @leytonorientfc the opening goal against Manchester City 😱#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/bHnKg92Q2y
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 8, 2025
Wanderers ‘long term admirers’ of Donley
Bolton are likely to be linked with a number of names over the coming weeks. Donley is the latest name and it is claimed that the Trotters have held an admiration for the midfielder since his successful spell at Brisbane Road last season.
According to Nixon, the Lancashire-based side are keeping tabs on his situation. It is claimed that Spurs may cut short his season-long spell at Stoke and could be happy to let him drop back into League One in favour of regular first team football.
Having suffered two losses in their last three, Schumacher’s team will be looking to bounce back on New Year’s Day when they travel to relegation threatened Doncaster Rovers.
