Owen Coyle admits striker Johan Elmander could leave Bolton Wanderers in the January transfer window.
January move still a possibility for in-form Sweden striker
Owen Coyle admits striker Johan Elmander could leave Bolton Wanderers in the January transfer window.
Sweden international Elmander has grabbed eight goals in a sparkling start to the season and his form is thought to have attracted the attention of several bigger clubs.
With the 29-year-old's contract running out at the end of the season, the Trotters are desperate to hang on to one of their prized assets but the two sides have yet to agree a new deal.
And boss Coyle realises Elmander could leave Bolton as early as next month - if the right club made an approach.
Natural
Coyle said: "Ultimately, if and when - it's hypothetical at the moment - something came out and he said, 'I'd like to try that', I wouldn't have any problem with it.
"He has been fantastic for me. The relationship I have got with him is great, it is very upfront and we are quite open with each other.
"If in January a top club, a Champions League club, came in for Johan, it would only be natural that he would turn his head at that.
"It's never going to faze me, I'm not going to get upset about it. Ultimately, Johan has to do the right thing for him and his family."
Coyle, who says he is comfortable with the striker's contract situation, realises Elmander may get a better deal elsewhere than Bolton's offer.
But he also issued a word of caution to his leading scorer.
Happy
He said: "I always said as a player - and Johan will know this - that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
"Johan knows he is at a great football club.
"He is enjoying his football, he is probably playing the best stuff of his career at the moment and there's a lot to be said for that - being happy, coming in with a smile on your face.
"He knows the manager believes in him and I think I have a top class player."
