Bolton Wanderers are hoping to finally complete a deal for KAA Gent striker Max Dean, according to a report.
The Trotters' prolonged pursuit of the former MK Dons frontman appeared to be heading towards a dead end as the two clubs failed to align on a fee for Dean.
Bolton's opening offer of £1million fell substantially below Gent's valuation, with the Belgian Pro League outfit eager to recoup their £1.7m outlay when they signed him from MK Dons in 2024.
However, according to Footy Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Wanderers are now advancing in negotiations over a deal that will see Dean move to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Bolton were vulnerable to other Championship clubs hijacking their transfer for Dean, but Steve Schumacher is now close to getting his man in a huge boost to his striking options.
After climbing the ranks in Leeds United's academy, Dean was hot property after a breakthrough season in 2023/24 where he scored 20 goals in 43 games for MK Dons.
Gent swooped in for the striker, who has been capped at Under-20 level for England, and he enjoyed a solid debut campaign in Belgium, netting 13 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, including four in the UEFA Conference League.
Dean scored seven goals in 24 appearances for Gent last season but according to the club's head coach Rik de Mil, the 22-year-old is keen on a return to England.
Bolton have made a steady start to life back in the Championship after winning promotion from League One last term.
Schumacher's side celebrated their return to the second tier after a seven-year absence with a stylish victory over a lacklustre Preston North End before holding Queens Park Rangers to a goalless draw at Loftus Road.
Bolton produced just one shot on their visit to the capital with Sam Dalby starved of service while leading the line, and Dean's arrival could see Schumacher alternate to two strikers against certain opposition.
