Derby County’s David Nugent was linked with Bolton Wanderers.
Bolton Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson says the club agreed a deal with Derby County for the signing of forward David Nugent, but the player opted to remain at Pride Park, bwfc.co.uk reports.
The Trotters were seemingly looking to bolster their striker options in the summer and identified Nugent as a realistic target. Prior to deadline day, the Rams had a host of strikers available – including new signings Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn, plus the likes of Mason Bennett, Cameron Jerome and Chris Martin.
But Nugent wanted to remain at the east Midlands club and, according to Bolton chairman Anderson who told the club’s official website how the Trotters had a deal in place for him.
He said: “We were very close with two other forwards, Liam Boyce of Burton Albion and Derby County’s David Nugent, and we will definitely seek out options again for January.
“We had a deal agreed with Derby for Nugent but he ultimately decided that he wanted to fight for his place there.”
Nugent, 33, seemingly made a wise choice as both Martin and Jerome were moved out on the August 31 loan deadline day, and Nugent has gone on to start the club’s last three Championship matches.
The former Preston North End man is an extremely popular figure with the Derby supporters, aided by his willingness to work extremely hard off the ball and harry the opposition into mistakes.
While he no longer poses the same sort of goal threat as in previous years, Nugent still has plenty to offer the team and his presence and link-up play often helps get the best out of Derby’s other attacking players.
It’s not really a surprise to see why Bolton were keen to sign him this season, as all four of Nugent’s starts this season have ended in Derby wins.
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