Bolton Wanderers urged to defy £1m transfer warning - he "fits Steven Schumacher profile" | OneFootball

FLW's Bolton fan pundit has been discussing the club's reported transfer interest in Salford City star Kelly N'Mai.

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Bolton Wanderers are understood to be interested in a deal for Salford City star Kelly N'Mai.

Football League World exclusively revealed this week that Championship pair Middlesbrough and Preston North End have enquired about the availability of the versatile 21-year-old wideman.

However, Football Insider have now claimed that Bolton are also in the running to sign N'Mai, after seeing a bid for the forward rejected.

Salford boss Karl Robinson has let it be known that he feels the club should turn down approaches of over £1m for N'Mai this summer, who is contracted at The Peninsula Stadium until June 2026.

"I'd be very surprised" - Claim made on Bolton Wanderers transfer pursuit of Salford City star Kelly N'Mai

We asked our Bolton Wanderers fan pundit, Liam O'Meara: 'Reports have suggested that Bolton are interested in Salford winger/wing-back/striker Kelly N'mai, who had nine goals and five assists in League Two last season. 21 years old, would this be a good signing if Bolton can get it over the line? Karl Robinson said that Salford should reject bids of £1m, should that put Bolton off?'

O'Meara said: "He very much seems to fit the profile of the type of player that Steven Schumacher wants to bring into the club, in terms of playing style.

"I'd be very surprised if this doesn't happen. It seems like there is a lot of noise around it. The words from Karl Robinson very much sounds like they have a price in mind, in terms of what they want to sell for.

"In terms of the price that Bolton are willing to pay, the £1m does seem to be where he lands, and selling Aaron Collins for what appears to be around £800k plus add-ons, suggests that Bolton are looking to strengthen sooner rather than later.

"So, should it (£1m figure) put Bolton off? No. Not at 21 years old, and he does seem to fit the profile of exactly what we're after. So let's do it."

Kelly N'Mai could be a very wise investment by Bolton Wanderers

N'Mai's signature certainly appears to be in high-demand across the EFL this summer.

That should come as no surprise either, as the former Manchester United academy talent established himself as one of the brightest young stars of League Two last season.

The Dutchman can play in a variety of positions, from left wing-back, all the way up to centre-forward, and it's this unique versatility combined with his performances and production that make him a such an exciting prospect.

Indeed, with Championship clubs also seemingly sniffing around his signature, the Salford City star is evidently held in high regard towards the top of the EFL, and that should hand Bolton confidence that if they were to sign him this summer, he could land them a big payday in the future.

Top young talents in the EFL are being sold for big money in the present day transfer climate, and N'Mai looks to have all the potential of being one of those in the near future.

Therefore, he would surely be a significant coup for Bolton, and would replenish their attacking arsenal significantly after the departure of Collins to MK Dons.