WANDERERS have told Neil Lennon there is no money available for transfers before this weekend’s Championship game at Reading.

After a deal for Wolves winger Rajiv van la Parra collapsed on Monday it has now become clear the Whites boss will not be allowed to sign an alternative to boost his struggling squad.

In a further twist it is also understood that Brett Warburton has stepped in to fill some of the day-to-day duties of chairman Phil Gartside, who has been away from the club recently.

Lennon had targeted two loan signings during the international break and had finances in place to bring in one, Dutchman Van la Parra, until Christmas.

But that appears to have changed in the last week, meaning the club was forced into an embarrassing U-turn. That now leaves the manager to go with what he has already got at the Madejski Stadium despite saying attacking signings were a “priority” just a fortnight ago.

It is not yet known whether the spending freeze has any connection with the ongoing takeover talks between owner Eddie Davies and the Sports Shield Consortium. But The Bolton News understands Gartside’s absence will not affect negotiations.

Lennon does not believe the intense speculation around the club’s financial future will have bearing on his squad as they prepare to resume their league duties.

“It hasn’t been a distraction – I’m not even sure the players have been aware of it, to be honest,” he told The Bolton News.

“This has been a local story and I think the players have been off on a break.

“It hasn’t been something we’ve talked about and certainly not between myself and the backroom team either.

“That’s because we’ve no control over it. That will be down to the people that own the club.”

Wanderers are second bottom in the table as the league resumes, three points adrift of safety after just one win in the first 16 games.

Lennon is encouraged, however, by the attitude shown by his squad when they came back to Euxton at the start of the week.

“They have trained very, very well since they came back in – they look fresh and sharp. I think we will be all right,” he added.

“I have every confidence in my players because they are giving me everything.”

Meanwhile, Wanderers youngster Jamie Thomas was on target for Wales’ Under-19s in their 3-2 defeat against Albania in the UEFA Championships.

Iain Brunskill’s development squad had missed his goal touch on Monday night as they fought out a 0-0 draw against Hull City at the Macron Stadium.