Bolton Wanderers close to selling the club to new owners

Bolton owner Eddie Davies has entered a period of exclusivity with a potential buyer for the club, Sky sources understand.

It has been reported that billionaire investment banker Roger Tamraz has put together a bid for the Sky Bet Championship club, while talks have also taken place with the Sports Shield consortium, led by former striker Dean Holdsworth.

The Bolton Wanderers Supporters Trust have also held talks with the club, who want an agreement in place by the end of Friday, before they defend a winding-up petition at the High Court in London on Monday

Bolton must pay a £3m tax bill owed to HMRC or risk being placed in administration, and face a 12 point deduction

The new ownership would still need to pass the Football League criteria relating to new owners.

Bolton, who revealed their staff were not paid on time in January, are currently bottom of the table and seven points adrift of safety.