Bolton Wanderers have offered a new, improved contract to striker Gary Madine, according to The Bolton News. The 27-year-old is top scorer at the Macron Stadium, and Sky Bet Championship rivals Cardiff City are among those interested in snapping up the in-form forward.
Madine has netted ten goals this season as Bolton look to battle against immediate relegation back into Sky Bet League One. The goals of the former Sheffield Wednesday and Carlisle United target man has given the Trotters a chance, and manager Phil Parkinson is understandably keen for the player to remain at the club.
All concerned parties are currently in discussions over extending his stay, and also improving his terms. He only signed a fresh two-year contract last summer, but the club are conscious of the need to keep him happy with many clubs lining up for him. In addition to Cardiff, there is also Hull City and Sunderland also supposedly keen on the player.
Bolton would only consider an ‘exceptional offer’ to allow the striker to move on in January, and are hopeful of adding another 12-months to his existing deal to discourage further interest in their star player. His goal against Ipswich Town recently made it back-to-back campaigns in achieving double digit goals, something no Bolton player has managed to do for many, many years.
There have been rumours of Bolton looking for a potential replacement for Madine. Ched Evans of Sheffield United was mentioned, but there is supposedly no truth in that. Whilst Derby County’s Chris Martin was a target, but the club are said to be priced out of a move for the player, even on loan. Parkinson will be wanting to provide support for Madine, rather than directly replace him.
