NEIL Lennon is reluctantly facing up to the threat of January sales to keep Wanderers afloat.

The likes of Zach Clough, Josh Vela, David Wheater, Mark Davies and Ben Amos could be picked off by clubs looking for a bargain when the transfer window reopens next month.

The Whites are in desperate need of short-term cash to keep their options open as they search for a new buyer and have a date in the High Court hovering over their head in mid-January over an unpaid tax bill.

Trevor Birch, the board’s financial advisor, is looking at ways funding can be created quickly and that is likely to mean the sale of assets both on and off the field.

Lennon admits the sale of some of his players could be a necessary evil.

“It’s a realistic possibility,” he told The Bolton News. “We haven’t had vultures circling us yet, but I’m sure they will come.

“That is a scenario we may have to face. It’s not ideal but we’re talking about people’s livelihoods and salaries, getting this club through difficult times. If that’s what needs to be done, I’ll do it.

“We may have to bring some of the younger players through if we have to sell some of the senior ones, and that’s fine.

“I have done that before and I will do it again.”

The likes of Rob Holding, Tom Walker, Kaiyne Woolery and Alex Finney have had a taste of first team action this season but have been unable to command a regular place.

At the opposite end of the scale, Lennon is still having to make plans for strengthening his squad, if the opportunity arises.

Should a new owner be installed, signings would be a priority to help avoid relegation to League One.

But while that scenario seems a million miles away at present as the financial nightmare continues, the manager is making sure he is prepared.

“Obviously we can’t get players in right now,” he said. “But I am always looking at them and I have contingency plans if the situation does change. Our scouts are out there bringing me back reports every week.

“The situation at the club may make it harder to attract players but it might work the other way as well. If we get a sale then they may think the club has turned a corner and players may want to be part of the ‘new broom’ if you want to put it like that.”