WANDERERS boss Dougie Freedman is planning to raid his former club Crystal Palace for midfield enforcer Mile Jedinak – but may have to wait until summer to get his man.
Freedman has already added Craig Davies in this month’s transfer window and remains hopeful of recruiting more personnel before the deadline at 11pm on January 31.
The Bolton News understands Jedinak is one of those in Freedman's sights but Palace will be reluctant to let the Australian go on the cheap.
Jedinak has started all but one of the Eagles Championship matches this campaign, including Saturday's goalless Selhurst Park draw with the Whites – who have also been linked with Birmingham City striker Marlon King – and has 18 months of his three-year contract remaining.
He is a player Freedman knows well, too, after the Scot signed him from Turkish side Gençlerbirligi in the summer of 2011.
Freedman spoke highly of the Australian at the time after tracking him for a long period, saying: "Mile has a fantastic international pedigree and I know he will be a huge success at the club."
Jedinak was captain of Palace under Freedman's stewardship before he left to join the Whites in October, and has scored twice in 30 appearances in all competitions this season.
It is believed tentative enquiries may have been made for a reunion at the Reebok but Freedman may have to sit tight to bring in the Socceroos international.
And if it is to be a summer switch, it could then depend on whether Palace are in the promotion shake-up.
A sitting midfielder, the 28-year-old would add to the options for Freedman in the engine room.
Jay Spearing has been a stand-out performer in that role but his season-long loan from Liverpool ends in May and it is understood Wanderers will not be looking to make his move from Anfield permanent.
Keith Andrews has also been a regular under both Freedman and his predecessor Owen Coyle since the latter secured his signature from West Brom last summer.
But he has been carrying a niggling Achilles injury and playing through that in recent weeks and may now have to face a spell out after hobbling off against Palace on Saturday.
With Stuart Holden and youngster Josh Vela only just coming back from their knee injuries, and Mark Davies not yet fit to return, the only other current option in the middle is Darren Pratley.
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