Bolton Wanderers and Everton are chasing Wigan Athletic wing-back Ryan Taylor.

The Liverpool-born defender returned to first-team action recently after recovering from a shin injury.

But his contract is up in the summer and having turned 24 this year he will be entitled to speak to interested clubs in January under the Bosman ruling.

It is the England Under-21 international's ability from dead-ball situations that prompted the comparison to England legend David Beckham by Wigan manager Steve Bruce.

"He might not be as good looking as Becks," Bruce said. "But I have to say his set-piece deliveries are as good as his."

Bruce has admitted that Birmingham City asked about Taylor's availability earlier this month.

"There have been a couple of inquiries," he said.