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One year after £5m links, Blackburn could now sign Bolton ace Josh Vela for free

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Blackburn Rovers were previously linked with a move for Bolton Wanderers ace Josh Vela.

Bolton Wanderers' Josh Vela during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bolton Wanderers and Bristol City at Macron Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Bolton, England.

Blackburn Rovers now have the opportunity to sign Bolton Wanderers midfielder Josh Vela on a free transfer after previously being linked with a move for the then-£5 million-rated star.

According to a report in the Sun last summer, Blackburn were said to be keen admirers of Bolton’s Josh Vela and it was claimed they could move for him should key player Bradley Dack depart Ewood Park.

Bolton rated Vela at £5 million at the time, but now the financially struggling club will miss out on a potential fee for him this summer as the Bolton academy graduate has confirmed on Twitter he will leave on a free.

Vela’s contract expires this summer, and Bolton’s failure to tie him down on a long-term deal will see them lose a player most Championship clubs would view as a free transfer bargain.

The 25-year-old may have only featured 17 times for the Trotters this term, but he has a decent record from midfield and was Bolton’s standout player during their League One promotion with nine goals.

Josh Vela of Bolton Wanderers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers at Deepdale on November 17, 2017 in Preston, England.

Blackburn finished the Championship season strongly, winning four of their last six games. Manager Tony Mowbray will now set his sights on strengthening this summer to challenge for a playoff spot next term.

In midfield Rovers have the likes of Corry Evans, Richard Smallwood, Lewis Travis and youngster Jacob Davenport, but the quartet are more defensive-minded options while Vela could offer something different.

The Bolton academy graduate still boasts plenty of potential, and Mowbray would be wise to go back in for him.

Bolton Wanderers' Josh Vela competing with Leeds United's Pablo Hernandez during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United at Macron Stadium on December 15,...