ADAM Le Fondre has sent a clear ‘come and get me’ plea to Wanderers – but looks destined for disappointment.

Though last season’s top scorer has said he will not be playing for Cardiff City next season, the chances of him making an emotional return to the Macron Stadium look slim.

Le Fondre wants to return to the North West after an unproductive spell in South Wales and admits the prospect of playing again for Bolton, where he scored eight times in 17 appearances last season, would appeal.

Some Wanderers fans have even launched an online fundraiser to bring back the striker – but even their top target of £500,000 is below what Cardiff are currently asking for his services full-time.

The Bluebirds have been trying to get a bidding war started all summer for the 28-year-old, without success, and are understood to have set the bar at £1million.

A cluster of Championship clubs – including Wanderers – have registered an interest in taking him on loan. But while geography works in Neil Lennon’s favour, his budget does not, and it is considered highly unlikely that the Whites boss will be able to take on the player’s wage given current finances.

The Bolton News understands that a move for Le Fondre has not been completely ruled out by Lennon but would rely on a number of players being moved on in a short space of time.

Le Fondre sparked mass speculation about his future by issuing a statement confirming he will not be playing for Cardiff next season, and wants a move closer to his family home near Stockport.

“I'm just waiting for the perfect opportunity and the right club for me to go to,” he said.

“I've turned down a few offers already. Geographically, it's got to be right for me and my family. It's going to be a more northern club that I will be signing for, but obviously you never know what comes in front of you.

“I don't want this dragging on because it's sort of messing with my pre-season a little bit."

Asked about Bolton’s interest, Le Fondre made little secret of his affection for the club. He also praised Whites’ fans for showing their affection with a fund-raising effort.

"It's brilliant,” he said. “I just thought it was really impressive and touching. It's flattering to see things like that, that they care so much to want to bring me into Bolton.

"Obviously it's not nice for Cardiff fans because they don't know what's going on with me situation-wise, but as a player it's lovely to see things like that because it just shows how much you're loved.

“[Bolton] is a possibility, yes. [But] I think they're in a lot of [financial] problems. It's reported that they're in a lot of debt.

"I'm sure they would love to have me back there with what I did last season for them but I'm sure there are other clubs as well which could show me a possibility too."