THE bid seemingly out on its own to take control of Bolton Wanderers is entirely self-funded, The Bolton News understands.

Sports Shield Investments, the company co-owned by ex-Whites striker Dean Holdsworth and his business partner Michael Collins, met with the club’s new financial consultant Trevor Birch yesterday to finalise details on their offer to Eddie Davies for ownership of the club.

It is now thought financial backing for the bid has not come from an outside party, as previously speculated, but is completely secured by assets owned by the company’s partners.

The appointment of Birch this week – a decision instigated by Davies to sort out a the situation as quickly as possible – is thought to have smoothed the way for Sports Shield to confirm their offer. Their interest has been apparent for a number of weeks but had been held up by a number of uncontrollable factors within the club.

Neil Lennon remained hopeful yesterday of a speedy conclusion to talks.

“How that pans out I don’t know,” he told The Bolton News. “It’s not something I’m involved in. But there is interest and there are a few parties interested in buying the club and from my point of view, the quicker it is done the better.”