(Credit: Getty)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 8 August 2025 20:27, UK

Preston, QPR, and Wycombe are considering moves for Bolton defender George Johnston, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.

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The centre-back made 38 League One appearances last season, as the Greater Manchester side finished below the playoff spots.

However, Johnston was an unused substitute as Steven Schumacher’s men lost 2-0 to Stockport County in their opening game of the new campaign on Sunday, 3 August.

The 26-year-old is into the final year of his contract with Bolton, meaning this summer is the Wanderers’ last real chance of cashing in on their man.

Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images

Amid their attempts to finish in the top six this time around, Bolton signed Sam Dalby from Wrexham earlier this summer.

But after strengthening their attack by acquiring the striker, the North West club could now lose one of their star defenders.

Preston and QPR can hand the former Wigan man the chance to play in the Championship, whereas Wycombe came close to a second-tier return last term.

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Football Insider verdict

Johnston has proven his class in League One for Bolton and is an asset for Schumacher’s side both in and out of possession.

George Johnston statsLeague One 2024/25Appearances38Goals0Assists1Johnston was a regular feature for Bolton last season

Schumacher’s presence in the Wanderers dugout displays their ambition, as he has managed in the Championship with both Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City.

The Liverpudlian is capable of steering his side to the second tier, but Johnston should be eager to seal his move to the Championship before the end of the transfer window.

Johnston rose through the academy ranks at Liverpool and made four appearances in the Dutch top flight for Feyenoord during the 2020/21 season.

Since joining Bolton in the summer of 2021, the centre back has not been able to play at a higher standard than League One, but a move to either Preston or QPR would hand him the opportunity to do so if they acquire his services.

Preston should be keen to add more quality to their ranks after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.

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