Bolton Wanderers are closing in on the signing of Bristol City defender Kane Wilson, Bristol Live understands, with the wing-back due for a medical at the League One club.
Wilson arrived at Ashton Gate 12 months ago on a free transfer from Forest Green Rovers but after showing initial promise in pre-season a combination of injuries, the form of others in his position, a system change and Nigel Pearson’s own view, has fallen down the pecking order.
He made just seven appearances last season, with only two as a starter - both in the League Cup - and towards the end of the campaign was even left out of the matchday 18 with Pearson preferring academy prospect Harry Leeson as George Tanner's deputy.
The signing of Ross McCrorie from Aberdeen has only deepened his challenge on the right side of defence as the Scot is capable of playing as a full-back. So too Derby County’s Jason Knight who remains a summer target for the Robins.
Wilson’s outstanding season in League Two at Forest Green has meant he still holds a strong reputation around the EFL and Bolton appear to have acted quickest to bring the 23-year-old in with Ian Evatt’s side having made the play-offs last season.
Evatt favoured a wing-back system throughout much of 2022/23, giving Wilson an obvious role on the right-hand side. Something he was denied at City as, having initially been signed with the Robins lining up in a 3-4-1-2, Pearson pivoted to a back four in January around the time he was ending his recovery from a knee injury.
With two years remaining on his contract in BS3, City are expected to recoup a six-figure fee for Wilson having paid around £100,000 in compensation when they signed him from Forest Green 12 months ago.
Wilson's exit represents the first significant sale of the summer for the Robins with the club having invested around £2m in initial fees for McCrorie and Rob Dickie, while Haydon Roberts has joined on a free transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Speaking to Bristol Live this week, CEO Phil Alexander confirmed the club are within budget for the summer so far with other deals being worked on, while there could be further sales, depending on if the deal is right.
In Wilson's case, while City are clearly losing a talented player who there was considerable optimism around a year ago, with Tanner, McCrorie, Leeson and the potential of Knight signing, they look strong on the right-hand side of defence with Dickie, Zak Vyner and Tomas Kalas - should he sign a new contract - also capable of playing there, if required.
It therefore doesn't damage Pearson's immediate first-team options and with the manager appearing to favour a back four, Wilson would have likely earned minimal minutes across 2023/24 as a luxury tactical option while remaining on the payroll.
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