Ex-Everton man linked with Leicester, Wolves and Brentford - less than a year since his release

Former Everton winger Josh Bowler has been linked with a return to the Premier League - less than a year after his Goodison Park release.

The 22-year-old is enjoying a fine season in the Championship and could be back in the top flight next season if reports are correct.

Background

Bowler signed for the Toffees from QPR for a reported fee of £4.25 million in the summer of 2017.

The former Fulham youth player failed to make a single appearance for Everton, though.

Bowler had a spell on loan at Hull City in the 2019-20 season before being released by the Blues at the end of last campaign.

He subsequently signed for Blackpool on a free transfer and has hit the ground running.

Bowler has recorded five goals and three assists in 35 appearances for the Seasiders, who are 15th in the Championship.

What’s been said

He was coveted by Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window but remained at Bloomfield Road.

Now TEAMTalk claims that Leicester City have joined the race for Bowler.

Brendan Rodgers has recently hinted at conducting a summer overhaul of his squad. After winning the FA Cup and finishing fifth last season, the Foxes are having a disappointing 2021-22 and sit 12th in the table.

Their Cup defence also came to an end with a sobering 4-1 loss to Forest earlier this month.

Meanwhile, it's said that Wolves, Norwich City and Brentford have also made enquiries in recent weeks.

Bowler's Blackpool contract expires at the end of the campaign but the club holds the option of an additional 12 months.