Sky Bet Championship side Bolton Wanderers have rejected bids from Queens Park Rangers and Fulham for defender Tim Ream, The Bolton News has reported.

Speaking in a news conference after his team’s shock 1-0 loss against Burton in the League Cup, the Whites boss Neil Lennon confirmed the London clubs’ interest in the United States international, but said that offers have failed to meet Wanderers’ asking price.

‘’We've had two bids - one from QPR and one from Fulham - it's obviously not the valuation that we see the player so it's as you were’’, Lennon said

The Northern Irishman refused to rule out that Ream might still leave the Marcom Stadium to free up budget, but insisted that the 27-year-old is still very much in his plans.

"We're in no panic to sell but if that were the case then it would loosen some money to bring players in."

“Once he’s fit, he’ll be part of my plans this season.”

The R's are understood to have improved their offer, but still fell short of meeting the player’s price-tag, believed to be in the region of £2 million. Selling the team’s player of the year for the last two seasons to a rival Championship club is also something that Lennon might not be too keen to do.

The centre-back, who can also operate as a full-back, has missed the first two games with a dead leg sustained in the Gold Cup - he is expected to return in the next game at Middlesbrough.

Ream would add versatility and experience to any Championship side and could be a shrewd purchase, but it is unsurprising to see Lennon keen on retaining the services of the American defender.

Bolton fans...... What do you make of this news? Is Tim Ream an important player for you? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!