WANDERERS are giving Andre Moritz time to consider their offer for him to stay on at the Macron Stadium next season.

The Brazilian playmaker has returned home to be with his family – where he is about to become an uncle to twins – before deciding whether to return for a second campign.

The Whites boss would like to keep hold of his former Crystal Palace charge, who scored seven goals in his debut season despite struggling with a series of injuries that restricted him to just seven starts in the Championship.

But because of a squeeze on the playing budget this summer, it is understood the 27-year-old will have to take a drop in salary if he is to remain at Bolton.

Moritz told The Bolton News in March he wanted to sign a long-term deal with Wanderers but as yet, the length of his proposed deal has not been discussed.

Freedman hinted at the end of the season he may have to disappoint some of the players looking to stay on at the club by offering reduced terms.

“I can’t keep everyone on and realistically some of the contracts I am offering out might not be what the players want,” he said.

“If they want a home and settle down, then it’s up to them.”

Moritz has missed the last two pre-seasons as he travelled between Turkey, London and Bolton, and it is hoped the minor injuries that held up his progress this season can be avoided if he gets a full summer programme in the North West.

“He’s picking up these little injuries because of his lack of condition,” Freedman added. “I think he should settle down. I think he should sit down and sign a contract that allows him to know where his home is.”

Meanwhile, pre-season continued to take shape yesterday with the annual friendly against Chorley one of five fixtures announced for a Wanderers XI.

The second string will make the short journey to Victory Park to contest the Harold Taylor Memorial Trophy on Saturday, July 26 (3pm kick-off).

A further four games were also released with Wanderers facing Bamber Bridge at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Saturday, July 12, and Hyde United at Ewans Fields on Saturday, July 19 (3pm).

Wanderers welcome Australian outfit Melbourne Heart to Leyland on Wednesday, July 23 (7.30pm) before two more away trips to AFC Fylde on Tuesday, July 29 (7.30pm) and Wrexham on Friday, August 1 (7.45pm).