Exclusive: Bolton Wanderers set to beat Coventry City to signing of 33-goal winger | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers have beaten Coventry City to the signing of non-league star Charlie Warren, Football League World understands

Bolton Wanderers are set to see off competition from Coventry City for highly-coveted non-league sensation Charlie Warren, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

After missing out on a play-off finish in the 2024/25 League One campaign, Bolton are already getting the gears in motion ahead of the summer transfer window, which they will hope can make them promotion contenders under Steven Schumacher next time out.

In the last week, FLW has learned of and revealed interest from the Trotters in both Stoke City's Niall Ennis, who spent the second-half of last season on loan with League One rivals Blackpool, and highly-rated Lincoln City defender Sean Roughan.

Now, it is understood that Bolton are closing in on their first signing of the off-season, in what could prove to be a shrewd potential coup in the years to come.

Bolton Wanderers set to see off Coventry City for non-league star Charlie Warren

Sources close to FLW have revealed that Bolton are set to see off a late move from Coventry to land Warren's signature.

The 20-year-old has been tipped for big things after making a name for himself in the non-league game with Isthmian League North Division outfit Felixstowe and Walton.

Warren, who has registered 33 goals and more than 20 assists this season to help Felixstowe and Walton to a second-place finish, enjoyed a successful trial with Bolton back in February.

With the season having recently concluded, FLW has learned that Bolton have now decided to sign the left-footed winger on a permanent basis.

Back in January, FLW broke the news of a three-way race for Warren involving Coventry, Lincoln and Wycombe Wanderers. Bolton, however, have ultimately won that race and have successfully fought off recent competition from the Sky Blues, who could gain promotion to the Premier League later this month if they win the Championship play-offs.

Charlie Warren could be an exciting long-term signing for Bolton Wanderers

Going all the way up to League One is likely to be a significant transitional process for Warren, who could gain his first taste of professional football next season.

It is unlikely that Warren will instantly become a central part of Schumacher's plans.

A loan move, perhaps to the National League or the fourth-tier, could be the first port of call, but Bolton will rightly be rather excited to pull off the signing of yet another potential non-league gem graduating to the EFL.

There has been no shortage of emerging talent from non-league in recent times, with Wycombe's 21-goal striker Richard Kone the most recent example, and Bolton will hope Warren can be yet another success story in due course.