League One strugglers Bolton Wanderers wanted to rescue Zach Clough from his Championship nightmare at Nottingham Forest in January, according to reports.
However, Bolton manager Keith Hill insists Zach Clough was never likely to return to the University of Bolton Stadium in January, in quotes reported by the Bolton News, despite claims that the Trotters were interested in re-signing the midfielder.
Clough signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Reds in 2017 when he joined from Bolton for around £2.5 million (BBC Sport).
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However, he’s spent much of his time at the City Ground completely out of the first-team picture.
During three frustrating years in the East Midlands, Clough has made just 31 appearances for the Reds, and, despite being linked with a move away in January, a once promising midfielder is yet to be awaken from this nightmare.
According to the Bolton News, there were reports suggesting that the midfielder could be set for a romantic return to Bolton on Deadline Day but, in the end, no move materialised.
Talented
Though Hill was never aware of any interest from the club in the ‘talented’ midfielder.
“I don’t know where it came from – unless someone at this football club is making calls on my behalf, which I don’t think they are,” he told the Bolton News.
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“I know Zach really well and he’s a talented football player who has got to find his football feet again.
“And when he does that he’s going to be a smashing player for whoever he signs for, or Nottingham Forest.”
Hill clearly rates the 24-year-old highly, but with the club’s off-the-field issues, a deal to bring the midfielder back would’ve proven difficult financially.
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Clough signed a long-term contract at the City Ground and is likely to be on a sizeable amount of money. That’s likely to be a reason why he’s yet to find a move away from the club.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Trotters keep an eye on the midfielder’s situation though.
It’s clearly a club where he’s held in high-regard and the player himself is likely to be attracted by a move back.