Wanderers have swooped to further strengthen their attacking options with the loan signing of top Manchester United prospect Shola Shoretire.
Shoretire joins Wanderers for the remainder of the season as the Whites’ third new arrival of the January transfer window following the loan signing of Southampton striker Dan Nlundulu and a permanent deal for wideman Randell Williams.
Shoretire’s ability to play in a number of advanced positions will increase manager Ian Evatt’s forward options for the final few months of the season as his side looks to maintain their impressive run of form which has seen them lose just once in their last 13 games.
The 18-year-old also joins Nlundulu, Manchester City’s James Trafford and the Liverpool pair of Conor Bradley and Owen Beck in arriving from Premier League clubs to aid the Whites’ push for a top-six finish in League One.
England U19 international Shoretire is recognised as an outstanding talent at United who has progressed through the Old Trafford Academy system to make it to first-team level and was named as the Reds’ Young Player of the Year in 2020/21.
The Newcastle-born forward has made five appearances for United’s first team, including three in the Premier League, and last February became the youngest player in the club’s history to play European football when he came off the bench in a Europa League tie against Real Sociedad.
As well as starring in Premier League 2, he has also featured regularly in United’s Under-21 side playing in the Papa Johns Trophy – scoring a late equaliser at Fleetwood Town in October and was part of the side that lost to Wanderers in a last-16 tie last month.
“They played some very good football and similar to what we’ve played at United,” recalled Shoretire, who trained with his new Wanderers’ team-mates for the first time on Thursday morning before completing the deal later in the day.
“After that game was only when I found out Bolton had some interest and I was delighted really because it’s a great opportunity.
“Coming here at 18 I’m transitioning into the men’s game, which is exactly what I needed. Hopefully I will have a good loan here and it will put me in a good place.”
Shoretire - who will wear squad number 17 - added: “For me the club belongs in the Premier League and hopefully next season the Championship.
“They’re in a very good position right now to go for promotion. The team has been winning a lot. I have been keeping track and it’s just made me more excited to get here.
“I want to help the team continue to win and do as much as I possibly can to help with that.”