WANDERERS have played down talks of a potential Thai takeover.

Overnight reports claimed Thai groups BEC-Tero and Siam Sport Syndicate were preparing a £40million joint bid to acquire the football club from owner Eddie Davies.

Quotes attributed to BEC-Tero managing director Bryan Marcar appeared to lend substance to the story but speaking to The Bolton News this morning, chairman Phil Gartside insisted that no deal was in the offing.

“We have spoken to several parties who have expressed interest in investing in the club but these quotes from Thailand come as a complete surprise to me,” he told The Bolton News.

“Other than what has appeared this morning it is business as usual here.”

It is understood that talks took place several months ago between Wanderers and Marcar – who was also involved in an unsuccessful takeover at Championship rivals Reading - but that the deal has not progressed since.

Davies and Gartside, speaking on behalf of the board, have indicated that the club could be sold if a suitable offer and buyer were to come forward.

Talks have taken place with investors at home and abroad but have yet to reach the stage where an agreement has been put in place.

News of Thai interest, carried on a few websites overnight, claimed BEC-Tero had found a business partner in media company Siam Sport Syndicate, who were willing to travel to England soon to begin detailed discussions with Wanderers.

“As for the bid to take over Bolton, I must admit I have a close relationship with the club's president,” Marcar told nationmultimedia.com.

“The club has plenty of property, and most importantly, they have their own stadium, hotel and football academy.

“In terms of their financial status, they made profits between 2004 and 2006, but suffered losses since then, with their debt now standing at 150 million pounds.

“They're quite ready in almost every aspect. That will help us benefit in many ways, especially when it comes to Thai players playing in England.”