Bolton Wanderers are reportedly not close to a deal to sign Kelly N’Mai amid Championship interest in the Salford City winger.
Following a great season in League Two, the 21-year-old is expected to move up the football pyramid this summer.
City manager Karl Robinson has previously indicated that bids above £1 million for the club’s academy product should be turned down by the Ammies. N’Mai’s nine goals and five assists in the previous season helped Salford make a strong play-off drive, but a draw with already-relegated Carlisle United kept them just outside the top seven on the final day.
Bolton Wanderers not close to agreeing Kelly N’Mai deal
Bolton’s interest in the winger is widely established. Football Insider reports that they have already had a bid rejected for the 21-year-old.
| Kelly N’Mai’s 24/25 League Two stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 32 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Big chances created | 5 |
| Key passes per game | 1 |
| Source: Sofascore | |
According to recent rumors from the Bolton News, while Steven Schumacher’s team is interested in obtaining N’Mai this summer, a deal is not close to being completed.
There is also Championship interest in the Salford player. Football League World exclusively revealed that Middlesbrough and Preston North End are interested in signing N’Mai this summer, and that Salford has been contacted regarding the player’s availability.
The Trotters have made an extremely active start to the summer season. They have already added five players to Schumacher’s squad during his first official window in command of the Lancashire club. They have also had one notable departure: Aaron Collins, last season’s best scorer, has joined fourth-tier club MK Dons for an estimated £800,000 price.
Bolton’s manager has stated that there is room for additional incomings and outgoings this summer. He wants to have a more streamlined group to deal with next season, but with players returning for pre-season training soon, Schumacher has left the door open for more transfer activity, including the N’Mai links, before their 25/26 preparations begin.
He told the Bolton News: “We still believe we can recruit one or two more before the players arrive for pre-season. There will undoubtedly be players that depart because they understand that their gaming time is short.
“It’s an exciting part of the season but the most important thing is that we are ready come 2nd August.”
Kelly N’Mai would be a project signing for Bolton
If N’Mai were to walk through the door of the Toughsheet Community Stadium before pre-season training began, you’d expect him to have a clear place in the group from the start.
He definitely had a better campaign last time out and showed some really promising indicators. However, making that aspiration a reality in League One may take some time.
Unlike some of Bolton’s other additions, N’Mai is not a player from whom supporters can expect instant, high-level production.
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