Bolton Wanderers manager Keith Hill has admitted that he is unhappy about the club's current transfer situation.

According to The Bolton News, the Trotters are reportedly under an embargo which only allows them to sign 23 players to professional contracts.

With the club now only having two places left to be filled, Bolton have had to tread carefully in recent weeks in order to ensure that they do not break the rules.

Whilst the EFL has yet to officially confirm that the embargo exists, it is thought that a restriction on salaries could remain in place for the next two years.

The Trotters, who were recently purchased by Football Ventures Limited (via BBC Sport), currently find themselves bottom of League One with -11 points.

Despite signing no fewer than nine players on transfer deadline day earlier this month, Bolton were hammered 6-1 at the weekend by Rotherham United and have a real battle on their hands if they are to secure survival this season.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Hill said: "It is a difficult one for the EFL.

"The new owners have taken over and the club is in unbelievable financial hands now, in a great place run by great people.

"But we're almost a football club that has come out of prison but still has a tag on.

"And it is restricting us."

Bolton will be looking to end a run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions when they host Oxford United in League One tonight.

The Verdict

Although it is fair to say that it would be somewhat of a miracle if Bolton manage to avoid the drop next May, they will nevertheless still want to bolster their squad over the coming months by looking into the free agency market.

Yet whilst the EFL has every right to keep a close eye on the Trotters following their take over, it could be argued that by limiting the amount of players they can sign, they are hindering the club's chances of success.