After succumbing to yet another defeat in midweek, Bolton Wanderers look destined to be playing their football in League One next season.

The Lancashire club have endured an astonishingly poor season both on and off the pitch, with their dire set of results becoming overshadowed by their dismal ownership problems.

A 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in midweek was the latest setback in the Trotters’ hopes of Championship survival - Phil Parkinson’s men now sit eight points adrift of safety, with the teams above them having a game in hand.

Any hope of the club repeating their great escape from last season have surely been destroyed now - the players who galvanised such a remarkable turnaround last term have failed to impress this season.

Sammy Ameobi is a prime example of this. The powerful winger stepped up to the plate for Bolton last season, finding form in front of goal when Gary Madine left for Cardiff City.

But with their position in League One next season looking ever likely, we take a look at three pathways the 26-year-old may look to take beyond this campaign...

Stay and become a key player in League One

There is no doubt that, on his day, Ameobi has the ability to be one of the best players in League One.

He was influential for the Trotters in League One on loan from Newcastle United in 2016, and certainly has the quality to thrive under Phil Parkinson in the third tier once again.

Would he want to play in League One after proving himself in the Championship over the last couple of years? It remains to be seen...

Move to another Championship side

As alluded to before, Ameobi will surely feel that he has done enough to continue to play in the Championship beyond this season.

You will struggle to find a winger who stands at 6-foot-3 yet carries the ball forward with so much ease and composure at that level.

Having scored four goals and produced three assists this season, he would clearly be a decent player for a bottom-half Championship side.

He may well leave should a higher offer come along in the summer.

Hand in a transfer request

This would obviously speed things up a lot.

Bolton's financial situation off the pitch is in turmoil, and they will be looking to get players off the wage bill in the summer.

Ameobi is likely to be a high earner at the club, and a transfer request may well be the best option.