Bolton Wanderers Lead the Race to Sign Erhun Oztumer

Despite interest from clubs such as Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End along with Walsall's League One rivals Bradford City and Sunderland, soon-to-be former Saddler Erhun Oztumer is believed to be closing on a summer switch to Bolton Wanderers, as the Trotters look to have leapfrogged several of their transfer rivals in the battle to secure his signature.

Various news outlets are reporting that Bolton are now favourites to land the midfielder, who will be out of contract at the end of June, as the man dubbed 'the Turkish Messi' appears to be closer to agreeing a move away from Banks's Stadium.

The Macron Stadium club, who are believed to be working with an increased budget when compared to last season, are said to be confident that they will get their man as contract negotiations continue between the club and the 27-year-old's representatives.

Erhun is heading for the exit door after turning down several new contract offers with his agent insisting that the former Dulwich Hamlet and Peterborough United attacker keen to consider his options as several higher-ranked clubs are sure to come calling.

Oztumer, who has made ninety-five first-team appearances since joining the Saddlers on a free transfer in the summer of 2016, is not short of suitors following two seasons which saw him score more goals than any of his various teammates.