Derby County and Leeds United want Josh Vela – leaving Bolton Wanderers with a hugely difficult task replacing the midfielder.
Alex Woodyard was the unsung hero of Lincoln City’s storybook run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last season.
And it was no surprise that the energetic midfielder’s performances did not go unnoticed. HITC sources told us that a number of Football League clubs were interested in signing Lincoln’s workhorse with Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers keen.
And Woodyard, who swept the board at Lincoln’s end of seasons awards after playing a remarkable 56 games last season, could be a man in demand once again in the New Year.
According to Lincolnshire Live, manager Danny Cowley is bracing himself for interest in his star men in the January window – and the report suggests that the former England C star could be one of those eyed up by clubs higher up the English football pyramid.
Whether Aston Villa will be tempted to renew their interest in a player who has proved himself in the Football League since Lincoln’s promotion remains to be seen. Villa have no shortage of midfield options after all, so much so that the likes of Mile Jedinak and Henri Lansbury have been forced to make do with a place on the bench this season.
But Bolton could be a possible destination with Wanderers facing up to the prospect of losing star man Josh Vela in January. According to The Mail, the Championships strugglers may be forced to cash in on the 23-year-old with Derby County and Leeds United keen.
And Woodyard, a combative presence with no shortage of footballing ability, could be a readymade replacement.
But after recently signing a new contract with Lincoln, the League Two club may hold all the cards.
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