JOHAN Elmander insists money will not be the incentive should he choose to quit the Reebok.

After months of speculation, the Sweden international has dropped the strongest hint yet that he may have a future with Wanderers beyond the next transfer window.

The Whites know their resolve will be tested next month as Liverpool prepare a cash bid for their eight-goal top scorer.

But with Elmander declaring for the first time that he wants to wait until the end of the season before making a final decision, the club could risk losing him for nothing, knowing they are currently in a good position to offer him European football next season.

The 29-year-old turned down Wanderers’ offer of a one-year extension on his current terms a fortnight ago.

He is adamant, however, that he is not trying to hold the club to ransom, having transformed his fortunes on the pitch in the last few months.

“Of course, as a footballer, you like to have a big contract, but I don’t want to comment on negotiations,” he said.

“I will give myself fully to Bolton while I am here and when my contract runs out in the summer, we’ll see what happens.

“I have never been a player who goes after money, I have always chosen with my heart and the feeling I have in the pit of my stomach.”

Elmander was condemned as an £8.2million flop in his first two seasons at the Reebok after failing to back up his endeavour with goals.

He looked at odds with the tactics employed by Gary Megson, yet things have altered drastically since Owen Coyle took charge nearly a year ago.

And the club record signing was quick to acknowledge the impact the Scot has had on his game.

“He gives me a lot of freedom,” Elmander said. “This time last year it was very hard to play football, but when Owen came in and took over, it made a huge difference for me.

“Owen is honest, and I appreciate that. He is the best manager I’ve had.

“I will not talk about Gary Megson, but I can say the manager we have now is much more positive.

“He is always quick to praise the players and that was something Megson was not so good at. I have my confidence back. I have a manager who really believes in me.”

Elmander had scored just six goals in 63 appearances before this season, but has seen his stock rise considerably after a red hot start to the current campaign.

Coyle has said himself that he would not begrudge the Swede a move to a “really top club,” which some have interpreted as a nod to Liverpool’s interest.

But the player himself admits a stay at Wanderers is a more appetising prospect now than it had looked 12 months ago.

"The gaffer has a football philosophy that we must keep the ball on the ground and that suits me better than the kind of football we played before,” he said. “It is the big difference. Last season, I had this sort of goalscoring form in me, but nothing went in.

“When Megson was here things were not good.

“We had different opinions and it did not work out, but Megson is a closed chapter.

“Since Owen came in everything has changed - it has been working out great.

“I have confidence in him and so do the other players.”