Bolton Wanderers loan Dan Nlundulu to Cambridge United

The Wanderers striker had only started in one of Ian Evatt's squads in the first five league and cup games this season.

Nlundulu made 28 appearances for Bolton last season, but missed a large part of the campaign due to a thigh injury sustained in a Bristol Street Trophy match against Port Vale.

He spent some time on loan from Southampton the previous season and showed enough talent to convince Ian Evatt to spend a six-figure sum to bring him to the Wanderers permanently.

However, he found it difficult to convince his doubters and, although his performance and goalscoring had improved noticeably before his injury, he could only play a supporting role when he was available for the squad again in April.

Nlundulu has featured prominently in pre-season, suggesting he could finally find his feet in the Whites shirt, but despite starting as an unused substitute in the opening day win over Leyton Orient, he failed to impose himself in attack ahead of Dion Charles, Victor Adeboyejo, Aaron Collins or John McAtee.

Cambridge already have a former Wanderer in their ranks in Elias Kachunga and Nlundulu is expected to be included directly in the squad for this weekend's away game at Bristol Rovers, a stadium where he scored a goal for Bolton on the final day of the 2022/23 regular season.

“I'm really happy to be here. It's a great opportunity for me to be successful for myself and for the team,” Nlundulu said on Cambridge's official website.

“I need a manager who has an emotional connection with the players and that's exactly what I get here. We had a great meeting and everything felt right. For me and my people it was a no-brainer.”

U's boss Garry Monk added: “Dan is a hugely talented striker who will bring a lot to the team this season. I am delighted to welcome him to the club.”

“He is a dynamic player who has all the qualities we were looking for to strengthen our striker. I am really happy to have him with us and look forward to working with him throughout the year.”