Wanderers still have important work to do to complete Jesper Ceesay deal

WANDERERS still have some key work to do before Jesper Ceesay completes his move from IFK Norrkoping.

The deal, which has sparked widespread interest both domestically and internationally, is getting closer, with the two clubs agreeing on a fee. However, Bolton are unwilling to celebrate prematurely as they seek to recruit the highly regarded ball-winner, with some vital discussions having to be completed before the contract can be signed. Midfielder Ceesay wants to play in England but has still to discuss personal matters, which both parties hope to resolve in the coming days.

At this point, it is unlikely that the 23-year-old would fly to Marbella this weekend, though the chance of the transaction getting through and him joining the squad in Spain before their first friendly against Orlando Pirates has not been ruled out. According to sources in Sweden, the Ceesay acquisition will cost five million Kronor (£385,000). Even though the player’s contract expires at the end of December, it is believed that paying a price now will be a wise decision, with high hopes that he can make an early impact with Wanderers in League One.

Magni Fannberg, IFK Norrköping’s sports director, stated to Sportbladet on Tuesday night: “Jesper has wanted to move abroad for a while, and it is true that we have agreed with a club, but I will not say which one.”

Matty Jacob, a Hull City defender, will not be joining Bolton. The 24-year-old has reportedly agreed to a loan agreement with Reading after discussing a similar arrangement with Bolton for several weeks. Jacob, who appeared in eight games for the Tigers previous season, was on Steven Schumacher’s desired list as a left-side defensive option. However, he has signed an option in Berkshire, where they share a manager, Noel Hunt, who is the brother of Stephen Hunt, his agent.

The transfer process had been long, and while Bolton’s offer was still on the table at the end, the club has been exploring other leads and expects to sign a similar sort of player before the start of the season. Schumacher’s roster currently lacks a specialist left-back, however Max Conway, Szabi Schon, and new recruit Richard Taylor have all played in that position previously.