Bolton have began discussions with Fulham aimed at securing a permanent deal for loan star Marlon Fossey, according to the Bolton News.

The American full back has been an instant hit since moving to Wanderers on loan last month and is thought to be interested in staying with the League One side beyond the end of the season. Fossey’s Fulham contract runs until June 2023 but the 23 year-old is eager to play first-team football and believes his path to Marco Silva’s side might be blocked by too many competitors at Craven Cottage.

Bolton boss Ian Evatt said: “We’ve been strategic in our decision making this window. Marlon is someone that we’d love to take permanently and there’s already been discussions there, so we feel like we’re in a good place.

The more he plays and how well he’s doing at the moment, people are going to highlight him as a potential for the future, but we really like him. We love his attitude and we love what he’s done so far but there is still a long way to go.”

Fossey has quickly established himself as Evatt’s first choice right back, making five appearances for Bolton and picking up an assist in Saturday’s 6-0 thrashing of Sunderland.