BOLTON Wanderers are hoping to beat fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest to the signature of former Rovers skipper Jason Lowe.

Lowe was one of six players released from Ewood Park following relegation to League One, ending his 13-year association with the club.

The 25-year-old has spent time on trial at Premier League outfit West Brom in pre-season, but it’s the Championship pair who are leading the race for his signature.

Bolton see Lowe, who can play in midfield or at right back, as a replacement for ex-Rovers loanee Jay Spearing who moved on from the Macron Stadium this summer.

And while Forest have shown interest, Bolton believe that staying in the North West would appeal to Lowe who they hope will make a decision on his future before the end of the week.

The Whites, promoted from League One last season, are still under a transfer embargo, but would still be able to sign Lowe given he is a free agent, and his versatility could be key to Phil Parkinson’s plans.

He left Ewood just four games short of 200 appearances for the club after making his debut in an FA Cup tie win over QPR in January 2011.

Lowe spent time on loan at Oldham, but the former England Under-21 international returned to Rovers and went on to play 33 times in the 2011/12 season before establishing himself as a first team regular.