WANDERERS are insistent that despite the ongoing boardroom saga, they will be active in the transfer market during the last 48 hours of the window.

Phil Parkinson has already laid down his marker, conceding the 4-0 defeat against Hull City accentuated some of the deficiencies in his injury-hit squad.

The absence of Josh Vela, Sammy Ameobi and David Wheater has been felt acutely and with concern over the length of time Jem Karacan, Josh Cullen and Will Buckley could also be side-lined with problems picked up at the KCOM Stadium, the need for reinforcements has become severe.

It remains to be seen whether clemency will be granted by the EFL on any of the above, or whether they will stand firm on the 23 professional staff Wanderers are allowed to use under the terms of the embargo.

Parkinson believes signings – plural – are needed to lift his side, who remain bottom of the Championship table after five games. And chairman Ken Anderson stated in his most recent column he was “hopeful” of fresh blood before Thursday night’s deadline.

The ownership share struggle which has taken up so much of Anderson’s time of late may have a bearing on what business gets done – but with Wanderers unable to pay loan or transfer fees, committing to new signings is not necessarily the undertaking it would be without the embargo.

Negotiations continued behind the scenes at the Macron yesterday as he looked to strengthen his boardroom position and despite many fans feeling, perhaps understandably, there are bigger fish to fry, plans for recruitment have continued too.

Chances of ridding the club of their restrictions now look remote, so much could depend on creating space within the squad.

Chris Taylor has already attracted some interest from League One and Anderson was even able to reject a cash bid last week for the 30-year-old which he felt did not match his valuation.

Opinion in a poll of The Bolton News’ readers yesterday was split between a winger and a defensive midfielder being the position most in need of strengthening over the coming days, the latter perhaps being more of an issue if Karacan is ruled out for a greater length of time.

Wanderers are still hamstrung in terms of the salary they can offer to free agents, with a new EFL ruling restricting them to £4,500 a week.

Despite the financial pressures on the club the rumour mill has continued to turn, with Arsenal youngster Jeff Reine-Adelaide one of the players rumoured to be on Parkinson’s wish-list if he gets the go-ahead to make signings.