Ian Evatt has revealed that Bolton Wanderers are not pin a position where they have to sell some of their most prized assets when summer comes around, in conversation with the Manchester Evening News.
Oladapo Afolayan has caught the attention of Cardiff City and Fulham, ahead of the summer, with the 24-year-old adapting to League One football excellently.
Centre-back Ricardo Santos is another who is being monitored by Championship clubs at present, with the 26-year-old playing an integral role at The University of Bolton Stadium this season.
Previously bracing themselves for bids for the impressive duo, Evatt has now revealed to the Manchester Evening News that the club are under no pressure to sell during the summer.
“We don’t have to sell – and it doesn’t matter how much money clubs come to offer us, I will make the decision based on what is best for Bolton Wanderers." The Bolton boss said.
"I am under no pressure from Sharon or the board to sell players to get money back in. We don’t need it and we’re in a great financial position now, that pressure has gone away.
“But anyone who says that some players don’t have a price knows it is nonsense. Everyone has a price and it is that tipping point or trade off when you look at the player we want and then what we can do with the club in general, not just the team, there would be a point where it evens out and we would have to make a call.
The verdict
It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out because Bolton's improving financial position means that it would appear that only sizeable offers will tempt the club.
Afolayan has been a mightily impressive attacking threat for the Trotters this season and has been a consistent cause of chaos down the left flank.
Santos' improving composure on the ball and passing range, coupled with his sheer physicality and defensive intelligence, it is no surprise to see that the Championship clubs are monitoring his progress.
Having both players still at the University of Bolton Stadium by the time that next season comes around would be a massive boost for Evatt, especially when combined with the intelligent recruitment that goes typically goes on at Bolton.