Wrexham have been dealt a significant transfer blow following confirmation that League One rivals Bolton Wanderers have hijacked their move for a Championship forward.
The Red Dragons have had a busy summer window so far as they continue to prepare themselves for a League One return but they haven’t done enough to land their latest target.
Instead, the player is closing in on a switch to League One rivals Bolton Wanderers, further boosting their attacking options.
McAtee snubs Wrexham
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Bolton Wanderers have successfully hijacked Wrexham’s deal to sign Luton Town forward John McAtee ahead of this weekend’s opening match.
McAtee is currently undergoing a medical at Ian Evatt’s side though there is still no confirmation as to whether the deal is a loan or permanent swoop.
How did McAtee fare last season?
The forward was loaned out to League One side Barnsley last season and was dealt the task of helping the club secure promotion back to the Championship.
The 25-year-old made 45 appearances across all competitions for Barnsley last season, scoring 15 goals and providing five additional assists as the club reached the play-off places on the final day.
Despite losing the first leg, Barnsley beat Bolton in the second leg with McAtee providing an assist for his loan side, but it wasn’t enough to beat Evatt’s side in what was his final match for the club.
Bolton are stacked
McAtee’s arrival at Bolton Wanderers adds another significant boost to their attacking options – with the club already having the likes of Dion Charles and Aaron Collins at their disposal heading into the new campaign.
Ian Evatt’s side have managed to retain the majority of their first-team squad that narrowly missed out on promotion via the play-off final last season and are likely to be aiming to go one better next season.