CASH-FLOW problems look like costing Wanderers key out-of-contract trio Matt Mills, Adam Bogdan and Darren Pratley.

The Bolton News understands negotiations with all three players have ground to a halt in the last couple of weeks, raising the possibility they will walk away for nothing this summer.

It is unclear whether the lack of funds is a temporary issue but the club declined to comment when approached yesterday.

Sources claim Whites boss Neil Lennon has concerns about the financial situation, which leaves him looking to plug holes in his squad with free transfers and loans.

Wanderers must submit a retained list by this weekend and could even confirm that one or more of the trio have been released.

Exits for high earners who were farmed out on loan this season like Jermaine Beckford and Keith Andrews will come as no surprise but other players, such as keeper Andy Lonergan, remain in limbo after discussions planned for last week did not materialise.

But in a week where the club “categorically” denied they were in talks with an Irish consortium about a potential takeover, the prospect of spending cuts and no outside investment makes very grim reading indeed for Whites fans.

Club skipper Mills is believed to be on a shortlist of signings for Fulham boss Kit Symons, who looked to take the defender on loan in January. And sources close to the player are also insistent that Nottingham Forest remain an option, despite Dougie Freedman rubbishing the story a fortnight ago.

The 28-year-old has said in the past that he wants to remain at Wanderers but recently raised doubts over his future with a post on his personal Instagram account which was interpreted by fans as a goodbye message.

Pratley is keen on a new deal with Wanderers after finally finding his niche last season under Lennon.

The midfielder was integral in the burst of form which saw the club climb clear of relegation trouble at the end of last year but suffered a badly torn hamstring in January.

An agreement had looked close until very recently but the 30-year-old is also now looking around for options.

Wanderers made a big play of a bumper contract offer to Bogdan, who Lennon identified as the man he wanted as his number one keeper.

But it appears the Northern Irishman could be left disappointed again, with the keeper no closer to signing.