WANDERERS have calmed suggestion several first-team players have rejected the chance to stay at the Macron Stadium next season.

Negotiations are live between the Whites and out-of-contract stars such as Gary Madine, Adam Le Fondre, Filipe Morais, Jem Karacan and David Wheater.

But after a report emerged online yesterday claiming Phil Parkinson’s plans for the Championship had been “thrown into disarray” by players rejecting Bolton’s opening offer, the club moved to make the following statement.

“Talks are at an early stage, are ongoing, and, so far have been positive.”

It is no secret Ken Anderson is looking to bring the wage budget under control this season and Parkinson has also talked of avoiding financial mistakes made in the past.

Barnsley, Preston North End and Burnley have been held up as business models which could be followed by the Whites as they return to the second tier after a 12-month absence.

At one stage this season Wanderers were losing close to £1million a month, the majority of which was on player salaries.

Parkinson told The Bolton News he has researched comparable sides in the division to ensure the salaries on offer were pitched correctly.

News his former club are redressing the balance has been greeted positively by ex-Wales international Nathan Blake, who admits he feared for their future during the last couple of years.

“I would rather see the club steady and on an even keel in League One than risking its future in the Championship,” said the Burnden Park star, who helped fire Colin Todd’s side to the Premier League 20 years ago.

“The stuff I’ve read in the last 12-18 months made me worry that Bolton were going to do down the same road at Coventry City, and I would hate that to happen.

“There is too much history and too much hard work has gone into that club down the years to start making knee jerk decisions and chasing success.

“If they can get recruitment right, get their academy right, and have the right people making decisions and coaching the players then it can be done without having to risk an institution of the town.”