Bunn has Latics loan targets in mind and won't be drawn on Cotterill as Gerrard exit confirmed

The transfer deadline for permanent signings was due to kick-in at 5pm but clubs are still allowed to make loan arrangements until the end of the month.

Hall, a 20-year-old striker, scored a hat-trick for the Trotters in a 4-1 behind-closed-doors friendly victory over Athletic on Tuesday.

He is highly regarded at Bolton having only recently signed a two-year contract extension.

Bunn told The Oldham Times: “Connor scored a hat-trick against us on Tuesday and looks, potentially, very good.

“But we’re looking at all young players, from the Premier League and the Championship.

“We have to be patient in who we’re looking at and do our due diligence.”

After scoring 22 goals for the under-23s last season, Hall was voted Wanderers’ Young Player of the Year. He made one substitute appearance for the first team in a 2-1 FA Cup third round defeat to Huddersfield in January.

Hall would add more firepower to the ranks following the permanent signings of Ishmael Miller, who joined the club last Thursday, Chris O’Grady and Jonathan Benteke, plus the season-long loan of Sam Surridge from Bournemouth.

Bunn wouldn’t be drawn on whether former Birmingham winger David Cotterill, 30, who has been on trial at Boundary Park, would be penning a deal, adding: “That’s something we’ll keep to ourselves.”

Meanwhile, defender Anthony Gerrard has officially joined Carlisle United after news of his sacking was finally confirmed this afternoon.

A club statement read: “Oldham Athletic can confirm the club have terminated the contract of Anthony Gerrard.

“His contract was terminated for gross misconduct arising from certain social media posts which brought the club into disrepute.

“In accordance with Anthony Gerrard’s contract and Football League procedure, he had 14 days to appeal the decision, no appeal was lodged. As a result his contract with the club has now ended.”