A BILLIONAIRE banker wants to buy Bolton Wanderers, it has been claimed.

Roger Tamraz, who has a wide business portfolio including oil, airlines and property, says he wants to see Whites become a "community club" once again.

The 75-year-old is involved in Netoil, a private investment company in the oil and gas industry, as well as being deputy chairman of Middle East Airlines.

In a statement, a spokesman for Mr Tamraz said: "After months of work Mr Tamraz and his team have put together a bid to buy the football club from present owner Eddie Davies.

"Building on the current assets, namely the Macron Stadium, Whites Hotel, Euxton training ground, the Lostock academy, and the Community Trust, Mr Tamraz wants to see Bolton Wanderers once again become a community club at the heart of the Bolton community.

"If the bid is successful, fans will be involved as never before, as Mr Tamraz seeks to rebuild the image of the club."

Bolton Wanderers have declined to comment on Mr Tamraz's bid.

Negotiations are believed to be continuing between the club and Sports Shield, the consortium led by former Wanderers striker Dean Holdsworth.

The newly established Bolton Wanderers Supporters Trust also wants to buy the club.

Wanderers have been given until February 22 to find a rescue scheme by the High Court after a winding up order over a £2.2million tax bill.

Mr Tamraz lives in France and Dubai. He was born in the Egyptian capital Cairo to Lebanese parents.

Tony Kounnis, Mr Tamraz's London based representative in the UK, said the businessman had ambitious plans for the club if his bid was successful.

He said: "There's still a bit of due diligence to go through. Sports Shield are a lot further along than us but I am hoping the club doesn't panic.

"There is no need to panic, they have got until February 22, which gives us enough time to complete.

"There are a number of interested parties but we don't feel anybody is as strong as Mr Tamraz."

Mr Kounnis said the possible Wanderers deal would mark Mr Tamraz's entrance into the UK, as he is already well known in the US and the Middle East.

He has plans to expand his liquid natural gas business into the UK.

Mr Kounnis said: "It's not just Bolton. Bolton is one thing but this would act as Mr Tamraz's entrance into the UK.

"We plan a lot of projects over the next five to 10 years which will create jobs and investment, residential and commercial developments.

"We want to build on the assets which Eddie Davies has left."

Mr Kounnis added: "Mr Tamraz has got a successful history and we will bring investment into the club. We will do it carefully and properly and make sure we leave a legacy.

"Bolton Wanderers lies on good assets, good infrastructure and a good stadium, which we want to build upon."