MARK Milligan’s chances of securing a move to Wanderers appear remote as the latest FIFA rankings are published later today.

The Australia international must hope his country leap from 48th place into the world’s top 10 to fulfil the necessary criteria for a UK work permit.

Phil Parkinson was keen to bring the 31-year-old midfielder into his squad, with the chances of Jay Spearing’s return looking slimmer with each passing day.

But after further examination into the regulations and the appeal process, the club has all-but given up on its chances of pushing the deal through.

Milligan is keen to play in England and has also been chased by Birmingham City and Burton Albion. He is being hampered, however, by the fact Australia’s average ranking over the past two years is not above 50, and does not meet FA rules.

Australia drew twice in their group at the Confederations Cup, holding higher-ranked Chile and Cameroon. Their rank fell into the high sixties in late 2015, which has had a knock-on effect for Milligan and other out-of-contract Socceroos this summer.

It is unlikely their position will be rectified before August, when the English season will be back in full swing.

Parkinson is having to stay patient in the transfer market as two of his top loan targets – West Ham United’s Josh Cullen and Reece Burke – find out whether they will be accompanying the club on a pre-season tour of Austria and Germany.

The Whites start their pre-season at Chorley on Saturday guaranteeing a first team squad at Victory Park.

Fans can pay on the gate at £5 for adults, with Under-12s free provided they are accompanied by a full-paying adult.

Meanwhile, ex-Wanderers midfielder Liam Trotter is training with Rotherham United in an effort to win a contract with the League One club.

The 28-year-old was released at the Macron in June after spending three years in the North West and has joined ex-Bolton striker Jamie Proctor in the Millers’ ranks.