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Lincoln City are reportedly among four clubs interested in Bolton Wanderers forward John McAtee as the Imps continue to assess their options before the transfer window closes. According to The Daily Mail, City have been joined by Championship rivals Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City in showing an interest in the 27-year-old, while League One side Sheffield Wednesday are also understood to have made enquiries. McAtee started Bolton’s opening Championship fixture and caught the eye in their win against Preston North End, registering an assist during 75 minutes on the pitch. His involvement could potentially complicate any move, as it did with Max Conway a year ago, with Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher now having another reason to keep him involved despite further attacking additions being expected at Bolton. The reported interest would add another name to the list of attacking players being considered during the closing stages of the summer window. The Imps have already added Mason Melia and Tanto Olaofe on loan, while an agreement is reportedly in place for Västerås SK striker Mikkel Ladefoged to make his move later this month. McAtee would offer something slightly different, given his ability to operate both through the middle and in a deeper attacking role. He has considerable experience at League One level and was part of the Bolton side which won promotion through the play-offs last season. Bolton are now back in the Championship alongside City. The Salford-born attacker began his professional career with Shrewsbury Town before spells at Scunthorpe United and Grimsby Town. It was with the Mariners that his career really began to gather momentum, scoring 14 league goals during their National League promotion campaign in 2021/22. That form earned him a move to Luton Town in 2022, although he immediately returned to Grimsby on loan. He later spent the 2023/24 campaign with Barnsley, scoring 12 times in 40 League One appearances, before joining Bolton permanently in August 2024 on a three-year contract. McAtee subsequently scored 11 league goals during his first season with Wanderers and remained part of the squad as they secured promotion at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. He has also featured against City during his time at Bolton, including the 1-1 draw at Sincil Bank in February 2026. Is it viable? I’ll be honest, I’m not really sure about this one. He doesn’t feel like a Lincoln City addition, not for the money we’d need to pay, or his age. Sure, Tyrese Shade, another we’re linked with, is in his mid-20s and expensive, but he’s the profile we’d like. My guess would be McAtee has been on a long list at some point, but our interest never went deeper. Think of those shortlists you have if you play Football Manager: 50 players for one position. Does it mean it’s a real interest? Whether City’s interest develops into anything more concrete remains to be seen. With Charlton and Cardiff also reportedly watching developments, however, there could be Championship competition should Bolton become willing to allow McAtee to leave before the window shuts.